Tats for cats? Inking or piercing your pet could land you in jail under new state law

Don’t even think of inking your pet. New Yorkers who tattoo their domestic animals could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, under a law signed Monday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The law will take effect in April. It’s an extension of the New York State’s animal cruelty lawOnly tattoings supervised by a veterinarian and used for medical or idnetification purposes will be allowed.

“The tattooing of an animal purely for the owner’s selfish joy and entertainment – without any regard for the well-being of the animal – is not something the ASPCA supports,” said Bill Ketzer, a senior official of the animal protection group.

State Assembly member Linda Rosenthal introduced the bill in June 2011, after a Pennsylvania dog groomer in offered to sell “goth kittens” with multiple piercings.

Other reported cases include tattooed and pierced cows, pigs, horses and even fish.

Among the most virally celebrated cases of abusing animals are a North Carolina man who inked his 5-month-old puppy, and a Brooklyn man who this summer tweeted pictures of his pit bull, which he tattooed after it was operated on by a vet.