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Out of the Cage! The Blog of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

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Intro. 425 limits the time an animal can be tied up to three hours in a twelve-hour period, and prohibits the use of inhumane tethering restraints. (Photo by Kathy Milani, The HSUS)

Intro. 425 limits the time an animal can be tied up to three hours in a twelve-hour period, and prohibits the use of inhumane tethering restraints.

Photo by Kathy Milani, The HSUS

Out of the Cage! (January 2011)

New Legislation Spells Good News for NYC's Animals

The new year is off to a promising start for dogs in New York City, thanks to the passage on January 18 of two important animal-friendly bills by the New York City Council. Unless Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoes the bills, which is unlikely, both bills will become law in 30 days.

Intro. 328 increases New York City's annual dog licensing fee for unaltered pet dogs from $11.50 to $34.00. This bill is intended to encourage NYC dog owners to spay and neuter their dogs. Funds raised by this increase will go toward increased spay/neuter services and educational outreach through the city's new Animal Population Control Fund. The bill passed by a vote of 41 to 7.

Intro. 425 bans tethering, or tying up an animal, for longer than three hours in a twelve-hour period. Additionally, the bill bans the use of certain inhumane restraints for tethering, including heavy steel chains and choke or pinch collars. First-time violators will receive a written warning. However, if the animal is injured, a fine of up to $250 will be imposed. A repeat offender faces a fine of up to $500 and three months in jail.

We are encouraged by the Council's overwhelming support of these measures and its recognition of some of the challenges faced by NYC's animals.

For more information about this important legislation, visit The New York City Council website.