On Tuesday, May 14, a New York Senate Committee will consider a bill that will allow responsible dog owners more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their well-behaved pets, while still protecting and respecting the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy state parks.
New York residents, and those who enjoy traveling and/or participating in outdoor events in the state with your dogs are encouraged to contact the committee prior Tuesday’s meeting and ask them to support Senate Bill 4993. Scroll down for committee contact information.
Summary:
Studies show that over 2.7 million New York households own a dog. Increasingly, pet owners are seeking opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities – and the health benefits that come from them – with their four-footed family members.
Senate Bill 4993, being promoted by some 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.
Senate Bill 4993 would:
- Require that dogs be allowed in public parks during public hours, so long as they are leashed or in an area specifically designated for dogs to be unleashed, but under their owner’s control.
- Require that waste stations be made available, and that all owners clean up after their dogs
- Protect the enjoyment and safety of all park visitors by allowing for regulations that restrict the times of day/times of year for dogs to be allowed, and access to public beaches, playgrounds, swimming areas, etc.
- Protect wildlife by restricting access to certain areas
- Allow 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.
What You Can Do:
Contact the sponsor, Senator Monica Martinez of Suffolk County, and thank her for sponsoring Senate Bill 4993:
martinez@nysenate.gov
631-341-7111
Contact the members of the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee and ask them to support Senate Bill 4993. If you are a constituent or participated in dog events in their district, be sure to mention that when contacting them:
Senator Jose Serrano, Chair (Dist. 29– Bronx)
Albany Office: (518) 455-2795
District Office: (212)-828-5829
serrano@nysenate.gov
Senator James Tedisco, Ranking Member (Dist. 44- Saratoga County, Schenectady)
Albany Office: 518-455-2181
District Office: 518-885-1829
tedisco@nysenate.gov
Senator Cordell Cleare (Dist. 30 – Harlem)
Albany Office: 518-455-2441
District Office: 212-222-7315
cleare@nysenate.gov
Senator Jeremy A. Cooney (Dist. 56 – Rochester)
Albany Office: (518) 455-2909
District Office: (585) 225-3650
cooney@nysenate.gov
Senator Pamela Helming (Dist. 54 – Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, and Monroe Counties)
Albany Office: 518-455-2366
District Office: 315-568-9816
helming@nysenate.gov
Senator Michelle Hinchey (Dist. 41 – Hudson Valley)
Albany Office: 518-455-2350
District Office: 845-331-3810
hinchey@nysenate.gov
Senator Jessica Scarcell-Spanton (Dist. 23 – Staten Island, Brooklyn)
Albany Office: 518-455-2437
District Office: 718-727-9406
spanton@nysenate.gov
For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at dogalw@akc.org or visit the Long Island Dog Owners Group (LI-DOG) at lidog.org.