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NEW YORK STATE HUMANE ASSOCIATION

Fostering a humane ethic and a compassionate attitude toward animals

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  • sweet gray kitten
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About NYSHA

Founded in 1900, New York State Humane Association’s (NYSHA) charter firmly rests on an ethic of compassion for all sentient beings. We believe that a more enlightened relationship with animals lies with humane education.

To prevent animal suffering and to encourage compassion, NYSHA’s programs focus on preventing and ending animal cruelty, via a manual, “Investigating Animal Cruelty in NYS,” other educational resources, and working with and producing workshops for law enforcement and SPCAs. We also provide referral and informational services to citizens and humane agencies throughout NYS to combat abuse.

We support and promote legislation that either strengthens existing animal protection statutes or create new critical safeguards.

Incorporated in 1925, NYSHA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is supported solely through donations and grants. We are not funded by any government agency.       Read more about NYSHA.

People lobbying on behalf of animals.
Our Voices for Animal Protection Legislation
2025 NYS Legislation

Please see our Legislation Chart and contact your state Legislators about bills that help animals.
Squirrel taking food from hand
The Tragedy of Wildlife Killing Contests
• Read NYSHA's article, The Slaughter of Wildlife for Fun and Prizes.
• The Daily Gazette EDITORIAL: State Needs to End Inhumane Wildlife Killing Contests

Wildlife Killing Contests are now banned in New York State -10th state to ban this cruel practice !! Read the law.
NYSHA's Horse Racing Chronicles
The Ugly Truth About Horse Racing in Articles and Videos

The New York Times - Dead Athletes. Empty Stands. Why Are We Paying Billions to Keep This Sport Alive? - published Feb 28, 2025
Rescued baby squirrel.
Locate a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Find an injured bird or animal Locate a Licensed Rehabilitator in New York. (Note: Firefox does not work with this DEC search.)
abused dog in cage
The Connection Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence
Publication by NYSHA -- Harold Hovel, Ph.D. -- 2nd Edition
Addendum and Addendum Executive Summary

Available in PDF format online or order booklet
Layla who passed away 3-7-21
In Remembrance

In Remembrance of Beloved Ones: Family, Friends, and Companion Animals
Starving dog
NYSHA'S President Interviewed About Bail Reform Bill

News 10 interviewed NYSHA president Patricia Valusek why NYSHA is opposed to the Bail Reform Bill.
Animals and Climate Change
NYSHA Board Member, Harold Hovel, Ph.D.

This report outlines the many ways that climate change is damaging to wildlife and domestic animals.
Valerie Lang Waldin, J.D., M.L.S. Associate Professor Hudson Valley Community College
Introduction to Animal Law
Valerie Lang Waldin

Resources for online research and study
“This compilation of key animal law repositories, sources of federal and state statutes, case law, open access animal law journals, programs of study, and LibGuides.”
Refuse Dissection Graphic
It´s the Law! NY Education Law Regarding Humane Ed and Students' Rights in Science Classes

Humane Education Materials Available for Teachers

• Opt-Out of Dissection - Info for Parents of School Children
• Opt-Out of Dissection - Info for School Administrators

Print graphic
Dr. Holly Cheever, DVM
Simple Prevention of Deadly Pyometra = Spaying

Pyometra is entirely preventable by spaying female cat or dog. Spaying is essential and not optional.
starved horse
Animal Cruelty Investigation Workshop

Workshops will be posted as scheduled.
Collapsed Carriage Horse
Urban Carriage Horse Rides: A 21st Century Anachronism
Holly Cheever, DVM

What you need to know about carriage horses. Article published by the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.
Photo of Mocha, sweet orange cat
"Conversations with Mocha" - YouTube Series

In a series of videos sponsored by NYSHA, NYSHA’s president and Mocha speak with various people in the community who are involved with the protection and care of animals.
horse racing evils
Horses Don't Belong on Dinner Plates

Information on horse slaughter.
Turned Away: A Closer Look at No-Kills

The only real, sustainable, and humane way for communities to end the euthanasia of healthy animals at shelters is by cutting off the supply of homeless animals.

You Can Help NYSHA Help Animals

DONATE
MEMBERSHIP

Manual of Procedures to Investigate Animal Cruelty

How to Investigate Animal Cruelty in New York State

Useful Information for Investigating Cruelty Cases

Attention:

Police Officers
Dog or Animal Control Officers
Veterinarians
NYS Humane Agencies

Animal Cruelty Investigation Video

Author: Susan C. McDonough, NYSP BCI Investigator, retired

In accordance with the NYS Agriculture & Markets Law Article 26

New York Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Law RE: Animals

Article 26 - Cruelty to Animals
Article 7 - Animal Control Law

Security Bond Posting

Attention:
NYS Humane Agencies
Important information to assist with Security Bond Posting

Animal Abuser Registries in NY


Starving dog unable to stand.

NYSHA Fact Sheets Relevant to Animal Cruelty

  • • Memo Re: Sustenance Including Veterinary Care
  • • Step by Step Example of Cruelty Case Investigation
  • • SPCA Peace Officers/What They Can Do by Law
  • • Jail Time and Probation in NYS
  • • Animal Hoarders
  • • Forfeiture of Animals in an Animal Cruelty Case

New York Pet Dealer Complaint

  • • NYS Pet Dealer Complaint Form - Dept of Agriculture and Markets
  • • NYS Law Care of Animals by Pet Dealers

New York Pet Lemon Law Complaint

  • • NYS Pet Lemon Law Complaint Form - Dept of Agriculture and Markets
  • • NYS Law Section 753 Sale of Animal

Important Notice with Regard to Animal Cruelty Cases and Comments on Social Media

At times, there are opinions expressed on the Internet about pending animal cruelty cases. Any opinions expressed by individuals associated with NYSHA are their own; they do not necessarily reflect those of NYSHA. 2/12/2018

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New York State Humane Association | PO Box 3068 | Kingston NY 12402 | 845.336.4514 | info@nyshumane.org

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