Section 1. 
Legislative intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that the number of owners who purchase or breed dangerous dogs on Long Island, has increased dramatically in the past decade.
This Legislature also finds that recent attacks by dangerous dogs have accentuated the problems these dangerous dogs can cause.
This Legislature also finds and determines that dangerous and vicious dogs need to be properly trained and restricted, due to their aggressive nature and the damage they can cause persons and property.
This Legislature further finds that the increased ownership of such dangerous and vicious dogs has exposed residential communities to the dangers and risks associated with people harboring such animals in their homes and properties.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the County of Suffolk by requiring the regulation of dangerous and vicious dogs.
Section 3. 
Applicability.
This law shall apply to all activities occurring on or after the effective date of this law only if funding for implementation and enforcement of this article, in an amount initially deemed adequate by the Commissioner, has been provided by authorization of appropriations, fines, penalties, fees, and/or charges.
Section 4. 
Reverse pre-emption.
This law shall be null and void on the day that statewide legislation goes into effect, incorporating either the same or substantially similar provisions as are contained in this law, or in the event that a pertinent state or federal administrative agency issues and promulgates regulations preempting such action by the County of Suffolk. The County Legislature may determine via mere resolution whether or not identical or substantially similar statewide legislation has been enacted for the purposes of triggering the provisions of this section.
Section 1. 
Legislative intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that local media reported that a family cat was recently brought to a town animal shelter under false pretenses by a third party and quickly euthanized before the rightful owners could reclaim their pet.
This Legislature also finds that this family's heartbreak could have been avoided if the animal shelter had waited even a few days before acting.
This Legislature further determines that it is in the best interest of animal owners and the general public to require animal shelters to hold dogs and cats for a reasonable period of time before performing euthanasia.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to bar animal shelters from euthanizing dogs and cats for seven days after an animal is taken in by the shelter and allow time for the animals to be returned to their rightful owners or adopted.
Section 3. 
Applicability.
This law shall apply to all actions occurring on or after the effective date of this law.
See Unconsolidated Local Law Provisions included at the end of the Charter.
Section 1. 
Legislative intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that the County of Suffolk is a consistent leader on issues of animal welfare, establishing the nation's first Animal Abuser Registry and regulating pet dealers operating in the County.
This Legislature further finds and determines that Chapter 302 of the Suffolk County Code regulates animal shelters and kennels operating in Suffolk County to ensure that stray, surrendered or abandoned animals are treated humanely while they await new homes.
This Legislature finds that since the enactment of Chapter 302 in 1984, new non-profit animal rescue organizations have developed. Similar in some respects to animal shelters, these organizations house unwanted animals, but do not have similar regulations on their operation.
This Legislature determines that animal rescue organizations should be subject to the same regulations as animal shelters and kennels, given their similar mission and activities.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to amend Chapter 302 of the Suffolk County Code to include animal rescue organizations.
Section 3. 
Applicability.
This law shall apply to all actions occurring on or after the effective date of this law.
Section 6. 
Effective Date.
This law shall take effect 180 days from its filing in the Office of the Secretary of State.
Section 1. 
Legislative intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that there are thousands of animals available for adoption in Suffolk County.
This Legislature also finds and determines that many people, including families with small children, choose to adopt animals from local animal shelters and rescues.
This Legislature further finds and determines that many of the animals offered for adoption by animal rescues and shelters have had a difficult or abusive past, which may lead to underlying behavioral issues.
This Legislature determines that there have been recent issues with animal rescues and shelters on Long Island where there were several instances in which an adopted animal's aggressive behavior was kept from the adopting individual. In one case, one adopted dog bit several people, including a senior woman who needed 30 stitches.
This Legislature also finds that Suffolk County should protect its residents from this kind of misinformation, as it could lead to substantial physical harm or death.
This Legislature finds that adopters have a right to know about an animal's behavioral issues prior to bringing the animal into their home with family members and friends.
This Legislature further finds that animal rescues and shelters in the County should be required to inform individuals about all known behavioral issues of animals being considered for adoption prior to the animal's transfer to prospective owners.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to amend Chapter 302 of the Suffolk County Code to require that animal rescues and shelters provide a full behavioral and bite history of an animal in their custody which is being considered for adoption.
Section 3. 
Applicability.
This law shall apply to all actions occurring on or after the effective date of this law.
Section 1. 
Legislative intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that for-profit traveling performances, shows or zoos that involve exotic, wild and/or nondomesticated animals are detrimental to animal welfare due to the adverse effect of severe confinement, lack of free exercise, physical coercion and the restriction of natural behaviors.
This Legislature also finds and determines that the traveling performance show or zoo stress can often cause exotic, wild and/or nondomesticated animals to suffer and be more prone to health, behavioral and psychological problems which can further lead to increased risks to public safety.
This Legislature finds and determines that County government has broad powers to enact legislation relating to the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.
This Legislature further finds and determines that exotic, wild and/or nondomesticated animals pose an additional risk to public safety because such animals have wild instincts and needs and have demonstrated unpredictability.
This Legislature determines that traveling performances increase the possibility of escaping exotic, wild and/or nondomesticated animals which can wreak havoc, seriously harm workers and the public.
This Legislature also finds that traveling performances involving exotic, wild and nondomesticated animals bring adults and children dangerously close to the displaying animals in inappropriate uncontrolled areas that are not suited for the exhibition of such animals.
This Legislature further determines that many of these species are physically dangerous and create a higher risk of transmitting diseases to humans.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to reduce hazards to the physical health of the public, safeguard the public safety of residents and guests of Suffolk County, and further ensure animal welfare and promote the protection of animals by prohibiting the participation of an exotic or wild animal in a traveling performance or show held in the County.
Section 3. 
Applicability.
This law shall apply to all activities and events occurring on or after the effective date of this law.
Section 5. 
Reverse preemption.
This local law shall be null and void on the day that federal and statewide legislation goes into effect, incorporating either the same or substantially similar provisions as are contained in this law, or in the event that a pertinent state or federal administrative agency issues and promulgates regulations preempting such action by the County of Suffolk. The County Legislature may determine via duly enacted resolution whether or not identical or substantially similar federal or statewide legislation, or pertinent preempting state or federal regulations have been enacted for the purpose of triggering the provision of this section.
Section 1. 
Legislative intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that for profit traveling performances, shows, parties or petting zoos that include wild or exotic animals pose an additional risk to public safety and are detrimental to the animal's welfare.
This Legislature also finds that wild or exotic animal traveling performances, shows, parties or petting zoos have in recent years increased in popularity resulting in an increase of the types of animals used for such entertainment and profit, and often ignoring the increased dangers involved.
This Legislature also finds Local Law No. 26-2023 codified in Article IV of Chapter 302 of the Suffolk County Code prohibited the use of exotic animals in traveling performances and shows within this County.
This Legislature further finds and determines that an amendment is needed to clarify that the prohibitions against wild or exotic animal traveling performances, shows, parties or petting zoos do not prohibit traveling performance events that involve reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrate animals and do not apply to environmental educational programs.
This Legislature further finds and determines that an amendment is also needed to expand the definition of prohibited wild or exotic animal traveling performances and shows to include traveling petting zoos and parties, and events where the participants touch and handle such exotic animals.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to expand the definition of animal traveling performances or shows to include traveling petting zoos, parties and events that include exotic animal touching or handling, and further to clarify that the prohibitions against wild or exotic animal traveling performances or shows do not include environmental educational programs.
Section 3. 
Applicability.
This law shall apply to all activities and events occurring on or after the effective date of this law.