The New York Senate is expected to soon consider two bills that would have a significant positive impact on dogs and dog owners in New York.
AKC encourages New York residents to join us in support of these bills by contacting your State Senator today and asking them to support Senate Bill 7416, to protect renters from breed discriminatory renters insurance policies; and Senate Bill 4993, to allow dogs in New York state parks.
Visit the AKC Legislative Action Center and type your address at akcgr.org/officials to get the name and contact information for your State Senator.
Bill Summaries:
Senate Bill 4993 – Dogs in State Parks
This bill, promoted by local dog club members and enthusiasts on Long Island, would allow responsible dog owners to bring their dogs to New York State parks, allowing them more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with well-behaved pets.
The bill also allows for additional regulations to ensure the safety of dogs, dog owners, and all park visitors, including vaccination requirements, regulations for dangerous dogs, and enforcement for dog owners not complying with the rules. It also allows for provisions to restrict the days and times dogs are permitted as well as access to public beaches, playgrounds, and swimming areas.
Studies show that over 2.7 million New York households own a dog. AKC believes S. 4993 will allow those who reside in or visit New York to enjoy outdoor activities – and the health benefits that come from them – with their dogs.
Read AKC’s previous alert for more information on Senate Bill 4993.
Senate Bill 7416 – Protecting Renters from Breed Discrimination in Insurance
AKC was proud to support a law passed in 2021 that states, “With respect to homeowners’ insurance policies…no insurer shall refuse to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium or rate…based solely upon harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds.”
The law was updated in 2022 to clarify that homeowners’ insurers may also not exclude, limit, restrict, or reduce coverage based solely on breed.
Senate Bill 7416 would expand this important law to include these same protections for those seeking renter’s insurance. This is a significant amendment that would help protect dog owners seeking renter’s insurance from discrimination based solely on the breed of dog they choose to own.
Read AKC’s handout for further talking points on supporting legislation to prohibit breed discrimination in insurance policies.
AKC continues to monitor bills impacting dogs in New York. For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.