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UPDATE: 6/5/26
New York’s industrial octopus farming ban has now passed both chambers of the state legislature. The New York State Assembly approved bill A.8043C in the early morning hours with overwhelming bipartisan support, sending the legislation to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for signature.
Following the historic vote, Voters For Animal Rights (VFAR), which helped lead the campaign, stated:
“At 1:27 AM this morning – as the very last bill on the agenda – the New York State Assembly passed A.8043C, our legislation to prohibit octopus farming, with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 129-13!
“This victory brings New York one step closer to protecting octopuses from the cruelty of industrial farming before this industry ever takes hold here.
“A huge thank you to Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie for bringing this bill to a vote and our incredible Assembly sponsor Tony Simone for championing this legislation.
“The bill now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk to be signed into law. Stay tuned – we’ll be sharing how you can help make sure New York gets this across the finish line.
“But today, we celebrate. For the octopuses.”
If signed into law, the legislation would prohibit industrial octopus farming in New York and ban the sale of farmed octopus products throughout the state, helping prevent an industry that many animal welfare advocates say is inherently cruel.
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In a major victory for one of the ocean’s most remarkable animals, the New York State Senate has passed legislation that would ban industrial octopus farming and prohibit the sale of farmed octopus products throughout the state.
The bill, S7421B, sponsored by Senator Monica Martinez, aims to prevent the expansion of an industry that has faced increasing scrutiny from animal welfare advocates, scientists, and environmental organizations. Supporters argue that octopus farming raises serious ethical and environmental concerns.
Known for their remarkable intelligence, octopuses are capable of solving complex problems, navigating mazes, using tools, and displaying distinct personalities. Animal welfare experts have warned that intensive farming operations are ill-suited for such highly sentient animals and could result in significant suffering.
The Senate’s action represents a critical step in the growing effort to stop industrial octopus farming before it becomes established in the United States.
Following the vote, Voters For Animal Rights (VFAR) celebrated the bill’s passage, stating:
“WE DID IT. The NYS Senate just passed our industrial octopus farming ban bill (S7421B) with strong bi-partisan support with a vote of 55-5! This is a major win for our brilliant, sentient ocean friends!
“New York’s senators heard us loud and clear: Octopus do NOT belong on factory farms.”
The organization is now calling on the New York State Assembly to approve the companion legislation before the legislative session ends, stating:
“SESSION ENDS FRIDAY NIGHT and we need Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to bring A8043C to a floor vote before time runs out.
“Call Speaker Heastie: (518) 455-3791
“Encourage him: ‘Please bring the Octopus Farming Ban Bill (A8043B) to a floor vote before session ends tomorrow.’”
VFAR also thanked Senator Monica Martinez and Senate leadership for helping advance the legislation.
The Assembly companion bill, A8043C, contains similar provisions and would ban both octopus farming and the sale of farmed octopus products in New York.
With only days remaining in the legislative session, New York has an opportunity to become a national leader in preventing the factory farming of one of the ocean’s most intelligent and extraordinary animals.
