June 1, 2015
The New York Assembly Health Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, June 2, that would allow dogs in outdoor eating establishments, as long as certain conditions are met.
The AKC supports this bill, which would allow responsible dog owners more opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their well-behaved pets. A similar measure, SB 4327, was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate in May.
Under Assembly Bill 5956, dogs would be permitted in public “outdoor dining areas” if the owner chooses to allow dogs and the dogs are kept on leash or in a pet carrier. The dining area must also follow specific guidelines, including having a separate entrance for diners bringing their dogs and posting clear signage stating that companion dogs are allowed. Current laws related to service animals still apply and are not impacted by this legislation.
Read AKC’s blog about this legislation.
New York residents are encouraged to contact the Assembly Health Committee prior to the hearing on June 2 at 12:00 pm and ask the members to support Assembly Bill 5956. Click on the names below for contact information. If you are a constituent, be sure to mention that when contacting their office:
Asm. Richard Gottfried, Chair (Dist. 75- Manhattan)
Asm. Thomas Abinanti (Dist. 92- Tarrytown)
Asm. Joseph Borelli (Dist. 62 – Staten Island)
Asm. Edward Braunstein (Dist. 26 – Bayside)
Asm. Kevin Cahill (Dist. 103 – Kingston)
Asw. Barbara Clark (Dist. 33 – Queens Village)
Asm. Steven Cymbrowitz (Dist. 45- Brooklyn)
Asm. Jeffrey Dinowitz (Dist. 81 – Bronx)
Asm. Sandy Galef (Dist. 95 – Ossining)
Asm. Andrew Garbarino (Dist. 7 – Bayport)
Asm. Andy Goodell (Dist. 150 – Jamestown)
Asw. Aileen Gunther (Dist. 100 – Monticello)
Asm. Andrew Hevesi (Dist. 28 – Forest Hills)
Asw. Ellen Jaffee (Dist. 97 – Pearl River)
Asm. Charles Lavine (Dist. 13 – Glen Cove)
Asw. Shelley Mayer (Dist. 90 – Yonkers)
Asm. David McDonough (Dist. 14 – Bellmore)
Asw. Amy Paulin (Dist. 88 – Scarsdale)
Asw. Crystal Peoples-Stokes (Dist. 141 – Buffalo)
Asm. Edward Ra (Dist. 19 – Garden City)
Asm. Andrew Raia (Dist. 12- Northport)
Asw. Linda Rosenthal (Dist. 67 – Manhattan)
Asm. Robin Schimminger (Dist. 140 – Kenmore)
Asm. Phil Steck (DIst. 110 – Schenectady)
Asm. Matthew Titone (Dist. 61 – Staten Island)
Asm. Raymond Walter (Dist. 146 – Williamsville)
The New York Assembly Health Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, June 2, that would allow dogs in outdoor eating establishments, as long as certain conditions are met.