New York lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at protecting pets from the dangers of city traffic. Dubbed the PAWS Act, short for Protecting Animals Walking on the Street, this legislation seeks to raise penalties for drivers who harm or kill pets, finally offering some justice for beloved animals whose lives are cut short by reckless drivers.

A Move to Update Outdated Laws

New York's current traffic laws extend protections to a surprising group of animals, including sheep, cattle, and goats, but exclude companion animals like dogs and cats. This legal gap has frustrated pet owners for years. Under the current framework, hitting a pet with a car could result in a fine as small as $50.

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes, who co-sponsored the bill with Assemblymember Tony Simone, explained that New York’s outdated vehicle laws treat pets “like disposable property,” an injustice they aim to correct with the PAWS Act, The Sun reports. He stated that the bill would send a message to drivers to “paws your vehicle to let pets pass.”

Steep Penalties for Hit-and-Runs

If passed, the PAWS Act would increase the penalties for drivers who hit pets, raising fines for first-time offenses to as much as $500 for leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a pet. Repeat offenders would face even stiffer penalties, up to $750, while first-time offenses involving service or guide dogs could carry a minimum fine of $250, ABC 7 reports. The bill even leaves room for jail time, potentially up to 15 days, for particularly negligent drivers.

For many pet owners, these penalties still don’t seem like enough. A $500 fine doesn’t feel substantial compared to the loss of a cherished companion. In fact, some argue that fines should match those for harming people, as they believe pets are an integral part of the family.

"If you treat it lightly, then no one's going to care," Natalia Eden, a dog owner from Buffalo, told WKBW. "Dogs are people too.”

 

A Long Overdue Solution

The PAWS Act comes at a time when many are recognizing that the law hasn’t kept pace with how pets are viewed in modern society. As of 2024, over 1.1 million dogs and cats call New York City home, News 12 reports, yet they remain unprotected by the laws meant to safeguard other animals. Drivers who strike these pets, whether intentionally or accidentally, often walk away with minimal consequences. The PAWS Act seeks to bridge this gap, holding drivers accountable when their negligence results in the injury or death of a pet. As Gounardes noted, the current penalties are “no different than a ticket for making an illegal U-turn,” a comparison that has left pet owners outraged.

The bill has widespread support among advocates who believe it will influence drivers’ behavior on the road. Local leaders and pet owners alike have expressed relief that companion animals might finally receive the legal protections they deserve. For many, this bill is long overdue.

Jason Dilmanian, a New York pet owner, told ABC 7 that while vehicles like electric scooters and bikes are increasingly common in the city, reckless drivers of these smaller vehicles can be just as dangerous to pets as cars.

"People can be reckless, but also with cars, and the fact that the penalty was so low... that was really surprising,” he said.

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of the PAWS Act

The PAWS Act is set to be voted on during the next legislative session, with a real chance of becoming law in 2025. It has already gained momentum in neighborhoods where pet owners and advocates gathered to rally for the bill's passage. Many hope the legislation will set a precedent for other states to follow, recognizing pets as more than mere property.

As Assemblymember Tony Simone told Patch, many pet owners, like himself, treat their pets as full-fledged family members. After witnessing the tragedy of a hit-and-run that took the life of a dog in New York, Simone was convinced that “something had to be done.” This bill could be that change, ensuring that negligent drivers can no longer walk away with just a slap on the wrist.

The PAWS Act offers hope for New Yorkers who want to ensure that their four-legged family members are protected just as any other loved one would be. It represents a significant shift in how the law views pets, finally giving them the value and dignity they deserve.

Click below to support this critical legislation and take a stand for pets!