VFAR's 2026 Animal Rights Legislative Policy & Budget Agenda
Federal Legislation:
- Supporting the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act
- Defeating the EATS Act and the Save Our Bacon Act
New York State Legislation:
- Prohibiting factory farming of octopus (S.7421/A.8043B)
- Prohibiting the use of glue traps in NY state owned and leased buildings (S.3046 B/A.10189)
- Prohibiting the sale of birds in pet stores (A.08327)
- Prohibiting wild animals in circuses or traveling acts (S.3629-A/A.5850)
- Ending the sale of fur (A.1923)
- Stopping discrimination against pet owners for rental insurance (S.364/A.893)
New York City Legislation:
- Defending the foie gras ban (Local Law 202)
- Enforcing the ban on backyard breeders and the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet stores (Local Law 132 and Local Law 54)
- Enforcing the prohibition on stealing pigeons and wild birds (Local Law 201)
- Funding for community cat rescuers
- Publicly funded spay/neuter clinics in every borough and expanding access to affordable veterinary care
- Prohibiting commercial bird releases
- Prohibiting the sale of birds in pet stores
- Enacting paid sick leave for animal care (Intro 21)
- Pilot program for a city-wide pet food pantry (Intro 841)
- Prohibiting glue traps (Intro 531)
- Protecting tenants with pets by prohibiting no-pet clauses in rental housing leases (Intro 305 and Intro 435)
- Passing Ryder’s Law to end horse carriages
- Prohibiting captivity of elephants in zoos (Intro 590)
- Supporting the Good Food Purchasing Program (Intro 533 and Reso 183)
- Supporting the development of a citywide wildlife protection plan (Intro 806)
- Prohibiting calf roping, electric prods, and flank straps in rodeos
- Expanding humane education
- Recognizing animal sentience
- Expanding access to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation