Overview
The Division of Animal Industry promotes sustainable animal production agriculture and the safety of the animal origin food supply. These goals are accomplished through regulatory and cooperative educational efforts with various agencies, both public and private.
The Division has staff in Albany and veterinarians located across the state. The Division is responsible for ensuring animal and public health through:
- surveillance for animal diseases of significance to agriculture;
- control and eradication of infectious and contagious diseases in New York State livestock and poultry; and
- implementation of pre-harvest food safety measures at the farm level.
The Division of Animal Industry’s veterinarians administer animal disease programs and, in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture, establish health standards necessary for the marketing of animals and animal products in the state. New York State's disease control programs have been a major factor in the development of the cattle industry in the state. As a result, many New York State programs serve as national animal and public health models.
The Division also regulates dog licensing, sets standards for humane care of seized dogs and the inspection of municipal shelters, administers the contract for the New York State Animal Population Control Program and the Pet Dealer Inspection Program, and provides training and assistance to local enforcement officers in animal welfare cases.