N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law Section 371
Powers of peace officers

A constable or police officer must, and any agent or officer of any duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals may issue an appearance ticket pursuant to section 150.20 of the criminal procedure law, summon or arrest, and bring before a court or magistrate having jurisdiction, any person offending against any of the provisions of article twenty-six of the agriculture and markets law. Any officer or agent of any of said societies may lawfully interfere to prevent the perpetration of any act of cruelty upon any animal in his presence. Any of said societies may prefer a complaint before any court, tribunal or magistrate having jurisdiction, for the violation of any law relating to or affecting animals and may aid in presenting the law and facts before such court, tribunal or magistrate in any proceeding taken.

Source: Section 371 — Powers of peace officers, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/AGM/371 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 21, 2026).

350
Definitions 351
Prohibition of animal fighting 353
Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals 353–A
Aggravated cruelty to animals 353–B
Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors 353–C
Electrocution of fur-bearing animals prohibited 353–D
Confinement of companion animals in vehicles: extreme temperatures 353–E
Companion animal grooming facilities 353–F
Companion animal piercing and tattooing prohibited 354
Sale of baby chicks and baby rabbits 355
Abandonment of animals 356
Failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animal 357
Selling or offering to sell or exposing diseased animal 358
Selling disabled Equidae 358–A
Live animals as prizes prohibited 359
Carrying animal in a cruel manner 359–A
Transportation of horses 360
Poisoning or attempting to poison animals 361
Interference with or injury to certain domestic animals 362
Throwing substance injurious to animals in public place 363
Unauthorized possession of dogs presumptive evidence of larceny 364
Running horses on highway 365
Clipping or cutting the ears of dogs 366
Companion animal stealing 366–A
Removing, seizing or transporting dogs for research purposes 367
Leaving state to avoid provisions of this article 368
Operating upon tails of horses unlawful 369
Interference with officers 370
Protection of the public from attack by wild animals and reptiles 371
Powers of peace officers 372
Issuance of warrants upon complaint 373
Seizure of animals lost, strayed, homeless, abandoned or improperly confined or kept 374
Humane destruction or other disposition of animals lost, strayed, homeless, abandoned or improperly confined or kept 375
Officer may take possession of animals or implements used in fights among animals 376
Disposition of animals or implements used in fights among animals 377
Disposal of dead animals 377–A
Spaying and neutering of dogs and cats 378
Unlawful tampering with animal research 379
Prohibition of the selling of fur, hair, skin or flesh of a dog or cat 380
Use of elephants in entertainment acts 380*2
Examination of seized animals or animals taken possession of 381
Prohibition of the declawing of cats 382
Prohibition of the slaughter of race horses and race horse breeding stock 383
Examination of seized animals or animals taken possession of 384
Special provisions related to the importation of dogs and cats into the state for sale, resale or adoption 385
Prohibition of slaughtering horses for human or animal consumption 386
Requirements for live auctions
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Verified:
Feb. 21, 2026

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 371. Powers of peace officers's source at nysenate​.gov

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