May 8, 2015
A New York Senate Committee is considering a bill on Monday that would allow owners to take their companion animals on public transportation if a state of emergency is declared.
This is meant to partner with identical legislation passed in New Jersey to assist those utilizing public transportation through the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The AKC supports this legislation, which would allow dog owners to ensure the proper protection and care of their pets during emergency situations.
Summary:
Senate Bill 3850 would allow owners to take companion animals on public transportation during official states of emergency, so long as the animal is under the owner’s control (tether, leash, “appropriate container”, or “other suitable means”), and the boarding is consistent with local emergency plans. It only applies to owners who are evacuating the region affected by the emergency.
The bill does allow for a domestic animal to be refused if there is a health or safety hazard. Passengers with service animals will be provided priority seating, and passengers must be given seating before a companion animal is given a seat.
What You Can Do:
- Contact your state senator and ask them to support Senate Bill 3850. Visit www.nysenate.gov and enter your address in the “Find My Senator” box to find the name and contact information for your State Senator.
- Contact the NY Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions before their hearing at 1:30 pm on Monday, May 11, and ask them to support Senate Bill 3850. If you are a constituent, be sure to mention that when contacting them.
Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, Chair (Dist. 61- Williamsville)
Phone (Albany): (518) 455-3161
Phone (Williamsville): (716) 631-8695 / (585) 454-0322
E-mail: ranz@senate.state.ny.us
Sen. John Flanagan (Dist. 2 – Smithtown)
Phone (Albany): 518-455-2071
Phone (Smithfield): 631-361-2154
E-mail: Flanagan@nysenate.gov
Sen. William Larkin, Jr. (Dist. 39 – New Windsor)
Phone (Albany): (518) 455-2770
Phone (New Windsor): (845) 567-1270
E-mail: larkin@senate.state.ny.us
Sen. Jack Martins (Dist. 7 – Mineola)
Phone (Albany): 518-455-3265
Phone (Mineola): 516-746-5924
E-mail: martins@nysenate.gov
Sen. Robert Ortt (Dist. 62 – Lockport)
Phone (Albany): (518) 455-2024
Phone (Lockport): 716-434-0680
E-mail: Ortt@nysenate.gov
Sen. Bill Perkins (Dist. 30- Harlem)
Phone (Albany): 518-455-2441
Phone (New York City): 212-222-7315
E-mail: perkins@senate.state.ny.us
Sen. Daniel Squadron (Dist. 26- Brooklyn)
Phone (Albany): 518-455-2625
Phone (New York City): 212-298-5565
E-mail: squadron@nysenate.gov
The AKC will continue to monitor this legislation and provide additional updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.
A New York Senate Committee is considering a bill on Monday that would allow owners to take their companion animals on public transportation if a state of emergency is declared.
The AKC supports this legislation, which would allow dog owners to ensure the proper protection and care of their pets during emergency situations.