Governor Signs Bill To Require Shelter For Dogs

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Tuesday, 23 September 2003

Governor Pataki signed a bill that will require adequate shelter for dogs

Governor George Pataki signed into law a bill that will require adequate shelter for dogs who are left outdoors in inclement weather. The bill, spearheaded by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and sponsored by Assembly member Amy Paulin from Westchester and Senator Serphin Maltese from Queens, will require compliance with minimum standards for "adequate" shelter and will impose escalating fines for violations of the law. A dog seized for a violation can only be returned to his/her owner upon proof that "adequate" shelter is being provided. The law will take effect on November 21.

"This is a great day for dogs in New York and the scores of New Yorkers who love them," commented Stacy Wolf, Esq., ASPCA's Director of New York State Government Affairs and Public Policy. "No dog should die frozen to the ground or from extreme heat or dehydration simply because there is no shelter from the elements, yet these deaths continue to occur far too often in every corner of our state. This legislation will give law enforcement the tools it needs to stop this entirely preventable tragedy." Reports of dogs left outdoors without "adequate" shelter are the most frequent complaints received by humane societies and cruelty investigators across New York state.

For more information about this bill or other animal welfare issues log onto www.aspca.org and visit the site's advocacy center.

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