New York has the opportunity to set a precedent for the protection of marine life and animal welfare with a critical new bill that seeks to ban octopus farming before it takes root. This legislation would amend the state's environmental conservation law to prohibit the farming of octopuses for human consumption and restrict the sale, possession, and transport of farmed octopus.
Sign the petition to urge New York State legislators to pass Bill S7421/A8043 and protect octopuses from the harms of intensive farming!
Octopuses are intelligent, sentient beings with complex needs. Farming them, especially in confined environments, not only causes immense suffering but also poses serious environmental risks.
These creatures are carnivorous and require an enormous amount of food – up to three times their body weight – which leads to overfishing and further damage to marine ecosystems. The practice could also lead to the spread of disease, the introduction of antibiotics into local waters, and genetic pollution from farmed animals escaping.
Although no octopus farms currently exist in New York, this bill would prevent such an industry from ever taking root, ensuring that octopuses are protected from this harmful practice. If passed, violators of the law would face penalties of up to $1,000 per day per offense, and the Department of Environmental Conservation would enforce these regulations.
Sign this petition to demand that the New York State Legislature pass this vital legislation and protect octopuses from unnecessary exploitation!
