Keeping, restraint, or possession of elephants.
Introduced
Moved
Reached a final decision
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
Derived from the official record below.
Officially: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the keeping, restraint, or possession of elephants” Read the full text
Health
What it does
This bill would prohibit the keeping, restraint, or possession of elephants in the city unless certain enumerated conditions concerning adequate habitat and treatment are met. The bill would prohibit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene from issuing a permit for the exhibition, use, or display of an elephant unless those conditions were met. In addition, a person keeping, restraining, or possessing an elephant in violation of this bill would be liable to pay a civil penalty of $1,000 per day. The bill would allow any person to seek to enjoin violations in court.
Summary written by City Council staff, from the official record. Plain-language AI rewrite with cited sections coming. Not legal advice.
Where it is
Introduced by Council · Feb 12, 2026
Referred to Comm by Council · Feb 12, 2026
Who decides next
This bill sits with the Health committee. These members decide whether it ever reaches a vote; 99% of bills a committee approves become law.
Lynn C. Schulman · chairCarl WilsonCarmen N. De La RosaChristopher MarteHarvey D. EpsteinJames F. GennaroJoann AriolaMercedes NarcisseSimcha Felder
Official documents
Summary of Int. No. 590
officialInt. No. 590
officialHearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 2-12-26
officialFebruary 12, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda
officialStraight from the Council record: fiscal impact statements, committee reports, and hearing transcripts as filed.
The numbers
10
sponsors on the bill
Sponsors
Shahana K. HanifShaun AbreuShekar KrishnanTiffany L. CabánAlexa AvilésJennifer GutiérrezSandy NurseFarah N. LouisGale A. BrewerHarvey D. Epstein
Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record. Last action: Referred to Comm by Council (Feb 12, 2026).