Bill Requiring Adequate Shelter For Dogs Passes NY State Legislature

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Monday, 23 June 2003

ASPCA applauds the passage of bill A.8679/S.4549-A.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) applauds the passage of a bill by the NY State Legislature that will require adequate shelter for dogs who are left outdoors in inclement weather. The bill was passed on the last scheduled day of the 2003 session. The legislation, which was spearheaded by the ASPCA and sponsored by Assembly member Amy Paulin from Westchester and Senator Serphin Maltese from Queens requires compliance with minimum standards for adequate shelter and imposes escalating fines for violations of the law. Dogs seized for violations can only be returned to their owners upon proof that adequate shelter is being provided.

"This is a great day for dogs in our state and for the many New Yorkers who love them," states Stacy Wolf an attorney and Director of the ASPCA's New York State Government Affairs and Public Policy office. "No dog should freeze to death or perish from extreme heat or dehydration simply because there is no shelter from the elements. These deaths continue to occur far too often in every corner of the state. This law will give police and peace officers the tools they need to stop this entirely preventable tragedy." The bill, A.8679/S.4549-A, will be sent to Governor Pataki's desk for his signature.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org