New York dog owners are encouraged to call their State Senator TODAY in support of 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.
Summary:
Senate Bill 4254 is identical to Assembly Bill 4075, and both are supported by the AKC.
Like its companion bill, Senate Bill 4254 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. It does allow for insurance companies to take these actions if any dog (regardless of breed) 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. Senate Bill 4254 would extend these protections to homeowners who are responsible dog owners, while still holding all dog owners accountable, regardless of the breed they choose to own.
Visit www.akcgr.org/bsl for more talking points on this issue.
What You Can Do:
Contact your State Senator. Let them know you are a constituent and that you support Senate Bill 4254. If you have a breed that is often targeted with unfair discrimination, be sure to mention that in your communication.
Enter your address at this link to find the name and contact information for your State Senator
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely follow this bill and all legislation impacting dog owners in New York. For questions or more information, contact the AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org