Urge NY Assembly to Support Bill Prohibiting Breed Discrimination in Homeowner’s Insurance

AKC Legislative Alert

The NY Assembly is expected to vote soon on a bill that would prohibit homeowner’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder.

Assembly Bill 4225 passed the Assembly in 2017, but no action was taken in the Senate prior to the legislature adjourning for the year.  The bill is now back on the calendar in the Assembly for a vote.

All responsible dog owners and breeders in New York are encouraged to contact their State Assemblyperson and ask them to support Assembly Bill 4225.  Be sure to mention that you are a constituent when contacting them.  Visit the AKC Legislative Action Center and type your address in the “Find Your Elected Officials” box to obtain the name and contact information for your State Assemblyperson.

Summary:
Assembly Bill 4225 prohibits insurers from refusing to issue, renew or cancel or raise premiums for homeowner’s insurance based on breed of dog (or mixed-breed) owned by the policyholder. The bill does allow for insurance companies to take these actions if the dog has been declared dangerous based on current law, so long as these actions are based on “sound underwriting and actuarial principles” that are reasonably related to actual or anticipated loss.

New York state law already expressly prohibits municipalities from passing laws that target specific breeds of dogs.  AKC supports AB 4225, which would extend these protections to homeowners, while still holding all dog owners accountable, regardless of the breed they choose to own.

Visit the Breed-Specific/Dangerous Dog Laws page in the AKC Legislative Action Center for more talking points on this issue.

AKC Government Relations will continue to closely follow this bill.  For questions or more information, contact the AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org