N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law Section 123-A
Exemption from civil liability

1.

If any dog shall, without justification, attack a person, or behaves in a manner which a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury to a person, when such person is peaceably conducting himself in a place where he may lawfully be, such person or any other person witnessing the attack or threatened attack may destroy such dog while so attacking, and no liability in damages or otherwise shall be incurred on account of such destruction.

2.

If any dog shall, without justification, attack a companion animal, farm animal or domestic animal, or shall behave in a manner which a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to a companion animal, farm animal or domestic animal, where such animal is in any place where it may lawfully be, the owner or caretaker of such animal, or any other person witnessing the attack, may destroy such dog, and no liability in damages or otherwise shall be incurred on account of such destruction.

Source: Section 123-A — Exemption from civil liability, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/AGM/123-A (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 15, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 15, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 123-A. Exemption from civil liability's source at nysenate​.gov

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