The New York City Housing Authority has announced a new pet policy. In its first rendition the policy found here on p. 11, banned 27 breeds of dogs.
The list did not include the beleagured Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher who routinely show up on such lists. But the list did include the Boston Terrier.Â
The weight limit for dogs was also changed from 40 lbs. to 25.
Then the NYCHA announced it was banning "pit bulls", Rottweilers and Dobermans and all dogs over 25 lbs.
Dogs currently registered with NYCHA or service dogs are exempt.
One problem is that breed bans are illegal in New York state. NY CLS Agr & M.  § 107. Another is that breed bans don’t work in reducing bites and are expensive to enforce. Breed bans penalize responsible dog owners and do not address the reasons dogs may bite.   Â
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Send a message to Ricardo Elias Morales, Chair of NYCHA, and urge him to reverse the breed bans. Dogs don’t bite because of their breed. Send Mr. Morales this link.Â
Contact Mayor Michael Bloomberg:
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
PHONE 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC)
FAX (212) 312-0700