Chapter 23: Office of Animal Welfare

Section 581.

Section 581. Office of animal welfare.

The mayor shall establish an office of animal welfare. Such office may, but need not, be established in the executive office of the mayor and may be established as a separate office, within any other office of the mayor or within any department, the head of which is appointed by the mayor. Such office shall be headed by a director who shall be appointed by the mayor or the head of such department. For the purposes of this section, “director” means the director of the office of animal welfare. The director may appoint deputies and staff within available appropriations.

Section 582.

Section 582. Powers and duties.

1. The director shall have the power to perform the following functions relating to animal welfare:

   1. Advise and assist the mayor in the coordination and cooperation among agencies under the jurisdiction of the mayor that are involved in animal welfare administration, regulation, management or programs, including, but not limited to:

      (a) Animal shelters;

      (b) Sterilization, euthanizing and immunization of animals;

      (c) Animal population control;

      (d) Licensing and permitting of animals;

      (e) Restraining of animals;

      (f) Exotic animals;

      (g) Rental horse licensing and protection;

      (h) Dangerous dog regulation;

      (i) Boarding kennel regulation;

      (j) Animal abuse and animal abuse registry;

      (k) Pet shops;

      (l) Zoos, oceanariums, nature conservatories and wildlife refuges;

      (m) Disposal of deceased animals; and

      (n) Wildlife management;

   2. Review, at the request of the mayor, the budget priorities of all agencies for programs related to animal welfare, and recommend to the mayor budget priorities among such programs;

   3. No later than January 1, 2021 and annually thereafter, prepare and submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council an annual report of the animal welfare service and program needs in all five boroughs;

   4. Serve as liaison for the city regarding animal welfare needs and concerns;

   5. Provide outreach and education on animal welfare programs and the humane treatment of animals; and

   6. Perform other duties as the mayor may assign.