Latest news with #AgricultureMarketsLaw
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Can I sue my neighbor for stray cats on my property? What New York state law says
Neighborhood cats can be a nuisance, acting like they've moved in. Whether they're digging up your flower beds or yowling at midnight, stray cats can turn from cute to chaotic. When a neighbor is feeding them and encouraging their return, frustration can turn into a search for legal options. In a state with strong animal protection laws and a growing network of community cat programs, figuring out your rights may not be as simple as chasing the cats away. Is it legal? Can I remove my neighbor's fence if it's on my property? What New York state law allows In New York, the answer is complicated. You'll need more than a scratched lawn to win in court. You can't sue simply because cats wander onto your property. However, under Nuisance Laws, if the presence of stray cats causes ongoing, unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of your home, then you can file a private nuisance claim. This includes constant noise, visible feces, damage to gardens and/or vehicle scratches. However, it can be tricky to define whether a neighbor is responsible for a stray cat. Whether cats are owned, roaming or truly feral, they are considered to be 'companion animals' under Agriculture & Markets Law sections 353 and 353‑a. This law prohibits cruelty, neglect or poisoning. Thus, harming stray cats isn't allowed, even if they're trespassing. If your neighbor is actively feeding, sheltering or caring for stray cats, their actions could make them legally responsible because feeding can be seen as caretaking. Not ready for your closeup? Can my neighbor film me on my own property? What New York state law allows It's best to start by politely talking to your neighbor about the situation. You can at least try to ask your neighbors to stop feeding the cats. You can also contact your local animal control. Many towns offer trap, neuter and release options. Organizations like SPCA Westchester in Briarcliff Manor often step in to rescue animals in need. The group reportedly supported 789 feral cats with its trap and release program in 2024, according to the SPCA Westchester website. Learn more by calling 914-941-2896 or going to If you do turn to court, it will be a battle to win your case. In order to be successful, evidence must be provided that your neighbor's actions (like feeding the cats) caused substantial and unreasonable harm to your property, rising to a private nuisance. This includes photos or videos that prove damage, frequency and the persistence of the cat(s) coming onto the property. It is also essential to have proof that your neighbor is feeding or encouraging the cats. You'll need solid documentation, proof of causation and a clear legal basis under state tort law. If the cats are truly unowned or part of a community trap, neuter, and release program, legal options may be limited, and working through municipal or nonprofit channels can be more effective. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Is my neighbor allowed to feed stray cats in NY? Know your rights
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Attorney, Norwich woman speak out on animal cruelty case
NORWICH, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – One of the women arrested and charged in the Norwich animal cruelty case, which New York State Police say over 50 animals were neglected and uncared for, has opened up about the situation to News 34 along with her attorney. 47-year-old Lauren McKendry and 24-year-old Fiona Taylor were arrested and charged days apart by NYSP on Feb. 18 and Feb. 14 respectively for their alleged roles in the eventual removal of 56 animals from their farm in North Norwich; each charged with 16 counts of felony Agriculture Markets Law Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and 65 counts of misdemeanor Agriculture Markets Law Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals for the Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance. Both are scheduled for an appearance in North Norwich Town Court on Feb. 26, and McKendry, as well as the attorney representing both women in the case, have spoken with News 34 regarding the situation. Joshua Haar is the attorney representing McKendry and Taylor. He believes the charges brought against his client are not accurate to the situation. 'Felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals charges are used in cases involving dog-fighting, cock-fighting, or intentional injury and infliction of pain (hitting dogs with hammers, etc.),' Haar told News 34. 'NYSP presents no factual claims that either defendant personally struck, injured, or otherwise intentionally inflicted pain on any of the animals,' he added. Haar says the reason for the felony charges may be due to the alleged severity of the neglect that led to injuries to the animals, which included horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, and cats. McKendry's perspective is that if no photo evidence exists, it simply isn't true. 'The animals left behind on the Wednesday raid include two of our thinnest, who were both recovering under veterinary supervision from an illness that ripped through our herd over the summer,' she said. 'Anytime officers came out, the animals visibly had food, water, and veterinary records were offered.' McKendry claims they were never even arrested; simply brought to the NYSP station to 'collect paperwork.' She says the number of animals NYSP provided is also inaccurate and makes her 'fear for their safety.' 'On Wednesday, they removed four chickens from our basement we had moved there because they were struggling with the extreme cold. Immediately prior to the officers return on Friday, we had fed our remaining eight chickens and three ducks in the coop. These animals were not listed and we tragically found bodies in the coop after the officers left,' she told News 34. She believes this alleged misconduct can affect other farmers in the future. 'If this can happen to us, it can happen to any of us,' McKendry said. McKendry shared these photos with News 34 of her horses feeding on hay. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Yahoo
Two women arrested for cruelty to 50+ animals in Chenango County
NORTH NORWICH, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – New York State Police have announced the arrest of two Norwich women in connection with the removal of over 50 animals, including over a dozen dead, from a Mudge King Road property in North Norwich in January. 24-year-old Fiona R. Taylor and 47-year-old Lauren M. McKendry, both of Norwich, have been arrested and charged with 16 counts of felony Agriculture Markets Law Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and 65 counts of misdemeanor Agriculture Markets Law Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals and Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance. Taylor was arrested on Friday, Feb. 14 just before 10 a.m., and McKendry on Tuesday, Feb. 18 just after 9 a.m. by New York State Police. 56 animals were removed from the property on Jan. 22, 2025. This includes 30 horses, a pig, seven sheep, four goats, four chickens, seven dogs, and three cats. Troopers said the animals were in need of immediate medical care. The animals were transported to various animal rescue locations throughout the local area. Over 50 animals seized from Chenango County residence McKendry and Taylor were issued appearance tickets and scheduled to be in North Norwich Town Court on Feb. 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
