Ask NY to Support Bill to Stop Breed Discrimination in Rental and Public Housing

The NY Assembly Housing Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, June 3, that would prohibit a person from being denied or evicted from public housing based solely on the breed of dog owned by the tenant.  The bill would also prohibit housing leases (including apartments, tenements, and mobile home parks) from restricting a tenant’s ability to own a specific breed of dog.

The AKC supports Assembly Bill 2065, which would prevent a tenant from being discriminated against based solely on the breed or appearance of the dog they choose to own.  The bill still allows for the regulation of dogs deemed to be dangerous under state law.  A. 2065 also complements current state law, which already recognizes that breed-specific laws are ineffective and prohibits local governments from passing regulations based solely on a dog’s breed.

Assembly Bill 2065 would protect the rights of tenants to own the dog of their choice, so long as the dog is well-behaved and does not pose a problem or risk for other residents or the community.  It will also prevent tenants from making the difficult choice of keeping their pet or seeking a different option for housing.

Visit AKC’s Breed-Specific/Dangerous Dog Laws key issue page in the new Legislative Action Center to view talking points on this issue.

New York residents are encouraged to contact the NY Assembly Housing Committee prior to the hearing on Wednesday, June 3, and ask the members to support Assembly Bill 2065.  Visit the NY State Assembly Housing Committee’s website and click on the individual committee member’s names for contact information.

NY residents are also encouraged to contact their State Assemblymember in support of this legislation.  Visit AKC’s Legislative Action Center and type in your address to get the name and contact information for your State Assemblymember.