Oswego County SPCA Warns New Law Could Force Small Rescues to Reduce Services; Urges Public to Support Amendments to Article 26-C

FULTON — The Oswego County SPCA (OCAWL) is alerting Central New York residents, adopters, fosters, and supporters that a new state law, Article 26-C, is poised to dramatically change how animal rescues operateacross New York — and may unintentionally force many small, rural, and foster-based rescues to reduce services or shut down entirely.

The law, intended to improve animal welfare standards, introduces requirements that OCAWL says are not realistic or financially attainable for the volunteer-run organizations that rescue some of the region’s most vulnerable animals.
“We support higher standards of care,” said a representative for the Oswego County SPCA. “But Article 26-C was written with large, staffed shelters in mind — not small, rural rescues with no building, no paid staff, and no state funding. Without amendments, rescues like ours may not be able to keep saving the animals who rely on us.”

Key Concerns for Rescues Under Article 26-C, rescues will now face: High compliance and facility-style costs far beyond the means of volunteer-based rescues Significant new paperwork and recordkeeping requirements
Mandatory training for every foster and volunteer, regardless of role Limits on the number of animals rescues may take in at one time State inspections of foster homes based on any complaint, even if anonymous or unsubstantiated Zero regulation of backyard breeders, who remain a primary source of shelter overpopulation

These requirements, OCAWL warns, will reduce the number of animals rescued statewide and increase pressure on municipal shelters — many of which are already full. Real-Life Examples Highlight What’s at Stake

The 2013 “Hannibal Huskies” Case: In 2013, the Oswego County SPCA helped save more than fifty Siberian Huskies from horrendous breeding conditions in Oswego County. Many — including Roxie, Ziggy, and Mia Joy — were emaciated, terrified, and suffering from neglect. Thanks to foster-based care, these dogs recovered and found loving homes. Without rescues, many would not have survived.

The 2021 Fulton Cruelty Case: Just before Thanksgiving in 2021, the Oswego County SPCA assisted law enforcement in rescuing 78 animals from a home in Fulton, NY. Dogs, cats, and small animals were found living in extreme neglect, overcrowded conditions, and unsanitary environments. Within hours, foster homes across the county mobilized to provide emergency medical treatment, safe housing, and long-term rehabilitation. This case could not have been managed by municipal shelters alone — foster-based rescues made the intervention possible.

“These cases are not rare,” OCAWL said. “They are exactly why New York needs strong, functional rescues. Article 26-C threatens to take away the very system that protects these animals.” What the Rescue Community Is Asking For OCAWL and other rescues statewide are calling for reasonable amendments — not a repeal. Proposed changes include: Tiered licensing based on organization size and structure, Simplified, essential-only record keeping, Flexible training options, Privacy protections for foster homes, and reasonable oversight for breeders.

How the Public Can Help: Residents can help protect New York’s rescue animals by contacting their State Senator and Assembly Member and urging them to revise Article 26-C before enforcement begins. To make this easy, OCAWL provides: A 3-page informational PDFA copy-and-paste email template A phone script, and Links to find your representatives. All available here:

https://www.oswegocountyspca.org/help-save-our-rescues.html
Find your Assembly Member:? https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/
Find your Senator:? https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator

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