When disaster strikes, it’s not just people who need protection, our beloved pets do too. That’s why the New York State Senate has passed legislation (S896) that would require all local emergency management plans to include accommodations for animals during evacuations. Sponsored by Senator Monica R. Martinez, the bill aims to ensure that emergency planning reflects the powerful bond between people and their pets.
The proposed law mandates that local emergency plans identify temporary housing and facilities that are pet-friendly. It also encourages partnerships with animal shelters, SPCA chapters, and veterinary services to strengthen animal-related emergency response efforts.
“Disaster planning that leaves animals behind is planning that leaves humans behind too,” said Sen. Martinez. “This legislation recognizes the deep connection between people and their pets and takes real steps to make sure no one is put in the impossible position of abandoning a beloved companion in a moment of crisis. By requiring local emergency plans to include animal accommodations, this bill will help save lives and strengthen how communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.”
The urgency of this legislation was underscored in January when devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area claimed the lives of 30 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures. One particularly tragic story emerged: an 85-year-old woman passed away in her car, which was parked outside her home, after refusing to evacuate. She couldn’t bear to leave her dog, turtle, canary, and two parrots behind.
Though S896 has passed the Senate, it still awaits approval by the Assembly, where it is being championed by Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman. If successfully passed, the bill will go on to the governor’s desk for final approval.
This is part of a broader legislative push by Sen. Martinez to strengthen animal protections in New York State. Earlier this year, the Senate also passed:
• Tucker’s Law (S197) – Allowing judges to impose consecutive sentences for multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty, addressing the current cap of just two years in prison, even in the most horrific cases.
• Wild & Exotic Animal Protection Act (S252) – Expands the definitions of wild and exotic animals, aimed at curbing the sale and exploitation of animals like sloths and kangaroos, as seen in a now-shuttered pet shop in Hauppauge.
• Anti-Abandonment Act (S1741) – Raises the minimum fine to $500 for abandoning an animal, reinforcing that leaving pets behind comes with real consequences.
Several other animal welfare bills sponsored by Sen. Martinez remain under consideration, including:
• S673 – Housing People and Animals Together (HPAT) Grant Program: Funds emergency shelters that accommodate survivors of domestic violence with their pets, so no one has to choose between safety and a companion animal.
• S1742 – Penalties for Inadequate Shelter: Increases penalties for failing to protect dogs left outside in extreme weather.
• S1743 – SPCA Enforcement Authority: Empowers SPCA peace officers to enforce animal cruelty laws with the same authority as police.
• S7612 – Co-Shelter Toolkit: Creates a statewide resource for shelters and municipalities to implement pet-inclusive housing programs, particularly for the homeless and survivors of domestic abuse.
At its core, this legislative package reflects a powerful truth: protecting animals is part of protecting people. Making emergency plans pet-inclusive isn’t just compassionate, it’s common sense.
