This past Saturday, the League of Humane Voters of New York City, Council Member Tony Avella and nearly 200 advocates gathered on the steps of City Hall to announce Avella's submission of a Sponsor's Privilege Request asking the Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn, and Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee, Erik Dilan, to schedule a hearing on the longstanding "Pets in Housing" Bill. This legislation will clarify the rights of pet owners in multiple dwellings.
Int. 13/2006 was introduced on February 1, 2006 and will restore the original intent of the law for rental tenants in multiple dwellings by providing that once the no-pet clause is waived for one pet, the rental tenant may replace that pet or pets without being subject to eviction for violating the no-pet lease clause.
"This legislation will limit the displacement of people who move in order to keep pets and provide much needed homes for animals at shelters who might otherwise be euthanized due to the lack of available homes," stated Avella.
"However, despite the existence of 30 sponsors on this bill and two years after its introduction, the bill has yet to be scheduled for a public hearing," continued Avella. "I told my colleagues it is shameful that the real estate industry has succeeded in creating an atmosphere, through a campaign of disinformation, where we are unable to schedule a hearing on this bill."
"My colleagues and I are obligated by our position as elected officials to listen to the public's opinion on this very important issue, in addition to that of the industry -- and to listen in a public forum not just in behind the scenes visits from lobbyists whose assertions are never challenged. Therefore, after more than two years, and more given the lengthy history of this issue, I find it necessary to exercise my right to make a Sponsor's Privilege Request to demand a hearing on this legislation."
"Many New Yorkers rely on their pets for companionship. When a beloved pet dies, the last thing you want to be told is that you can't get another one," said John Phillips, executive director of the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC). "Speaker Christine Quinn ought to have a heart and pass Council Member Avella's pets in housing bill immediately."
News Articles
Advocates fight for tenant/pet rights (New York Daily News)
City Hall is urged to let pet owners stay in their apartments (New York Daily News)
Avella urges law change on pet-owner eviction (New York Sun)