What barriers to reasonable access to public spaces exist for New York dog owners?
Communities everywhere strive to balance the needs of both dog owners and non-dog owners with respect to use of public facilities and parks. New York State law protects the interests of law-abiding dog owners in several ways:
Only New York State may issue dog licenses, and municipalities may charge additional fees only to cover reasonable costs incurred in providing special services or amenities to the public.
Additionally, a long tradition of reciprocity between municipalities exists in New York. Non-residents should not be charged unreasonable extra fees for the use of public facilities.
The Dog Federation of New York vigorously supports the efforts of dog owners in New Rochelle (Westchester County) in their complaint against the City of New Rochelle and its unacceptable ordinance which severely restricts access to a public park there.
Recent press release follows below.
Westchester Dog Owners Win Appeals Court Decision
Dog Federation Of New York celebrates decision allowing challenge to
unlawful, discriminatory public policies targeting law-abiding dog owners
New York, NY – October 15, 2008 - The Dog Federation of New York (DFNY), appearing as amicus curiae in the case of During et. al v. The City of New Rochelle, applauds a decision from the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, Second Department, reversing a lower court dismissal of the case. During oral argument on September 15, the Presiding Judge advised the City of New Rochelle to try to settle with local dog owners. The case is remitted to the Supreme Court, Westchester County for further proceedings.
The New Rochelle dog owners seek nullification of the city’s unprecedented, illegal, and punitive local ordinance, which unfairly requires them to obtain extra photo identifications and licenses, and pay special additional fees, simply to walk a dog in a public park. Dog walkers with leashed dogs in Ward Acres Park in New Rochelle are subject to a disturbing stop-and-search policy in which police officers are instructed to stop people walking their dogs and demand to see a special “Ward Acres Dog Permit” photo identification. Persons unable to produce the special licenses are asked to leave the park and, under the terms of the Ordinance, they are potentially subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
"As a statewide coalition of law-abiding dog owners, we are deeply concerned when a municipality illegally targets residents and tax-payers whose only ‘crime’ is walking a dog in a public place," stated DFNY spokesperson Mahlon Goer. “New Rochelle residents and non-residents alike are not second class citizens, and state law protects them from unwarranted searches, special license requirements, extra taxes, and other infringements of their civil liberties.”
"Ward Acres was the last park in New Rochelle open to people who want to walk their dogs, and now the City Council seems bent on forcing them out of it. Close to half of all households in New York include at least one dog, and we were surprised and dismayed to see that a better accommodation could not be worked out,” Goer continued. “Our goal is to promote dog-friendly and dog-safe communities for all New Yorkers. We are confident that better solutions are available.”
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York City represented the Dog Federation of New York in the appeal. The case was originally filed on April 16, 2007, as Dennis C. During, Michael S. Friscia and Marci Malone v. The City of New Rochelle in New York Supreme Court, Westchester County, Hon. W. D. Donovan presiding, Index No. 6561/07.
For further information on the amicus brief, please contact the Dog Federation of New York. A copy of the appeals court decision is available via this link.
To learn more about Ward Acres, the Westchester dog-owning community, visit www.WeLoveWardAcres.net.
About the Dog Federation of New York:
The Dog Federation of New York is a statewide coalition of dog clubs, organizations and individual dog owners that serves the public interest by educating citizens and public officials on dog safety and responsible dog ownership. DFNY advocates for strong, and humane dog-related legislation and is committed to working with municipalities across the state.
Visit us on the web at www.DogFederationofNewYork.org
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Communities everywhere strive to balance the needs of both dog owners and non-dog owners with respect to use of public facilities and parks. New York State law protects the interests of law-abiding dog owners in several ways:
Only New York State may issue dog licenses, and municipalities may charge additional fees only to cover reasonable costs incurred in providing special services or amenities to the public.
Additionally, a long tradition of reciprocity between municipalities exists in New York. Non-residents should not be charged unreasonable extra fees for the use of public facilities.
The Dog Federation of New York vigorously supports the efforts of dog owners in New Rochelle (Westchester County) in their complaint against the City of New Rochelle and its unacceptable ordinance which severely restricts access to a public park there.
Recent press release follows below.
Westchester Dog Owners Win Appeals Court Decision
Dog Federation Of New York celebrates decision allowing challenge to
unlawful, discriminatory public policies targeting law-abiding dog owners
New York, NY – October 15, 2008 - The Dog Federation of New York (DFNY), appearing as amicus curiae in the case of During et. al v. The City of New Rochelle, applauds a decision from the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, Second Department, reversing a lower court dismissal of the case. During oral argument on September 15, the Presiding Judge advised the City of New Rochelle to try to settle with local dog owners. The case is remitted to the Supreme Court, Westchester County for further proceedings.
The New Rochelle dog owners seek nullification of the city’s unprecedented, illegal, and punitive local ordinance, which unfairly requires them to obtain extra photo identifications and licenses, and pay special additional fees, simply to walk a dog in a public park. Dog walkers with leashed dogs in Ward Acres Park in New Rochelle are subject to a disturbing stop-and-search policy in which police officers are instructed to stop people walking their dogs and demand to see a special “Ward Acres Dog Permit” photo identification. Persons unable to produce the special licenses are asked to leave the park and, under the terms of the Ordinance, they are potentially subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
"As a statewide coalition of law-abiding dog owners, we are deeply concerned when a municipality illegally targets residents and tax-payers whose only ‘crime’ is walking a dog in a public place," stated DFNY spokesperson Mahlon Goer. “New Rochelle residents and non-residents alike are not second class citizens, and state law protects them from unwarranted searches, special license requirements, extra taxes, and other infringements of their civil liberties.”
"Ward Acres was the last park in New Rochelle open to people who want to walk their dogs, and now the City Council seems bent on forcing them out of it. Close to half of all households in New York include at least one dog, and we were surprised and dismayed to see that a better accommodation could not be worked out,” Goer continued. “Our goal is to promote dog-friendly and dog-safe communities for all New Yorkers. We are confident that better solutions are available.”
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York City represented the Dog Federation of New York in the appeal. The case was originally filed on April 16, 2007, as Dennis C. During, Michael S. Friscia and Marci Malone v. The City of New Rochelle in New York Supreme Court, Westchester County, Hon. W. D. Donovan presiding, Index No. 6561/07.
For further information on the amicus brief, please contact the Dog Federation of New York. A copy of the appeals court decision is available via this link.
To learn more about Ward Acres, the Westchester dog-owning community, visit www.WeLoveWardAcres.net.
About the Dog Federation of New York:
The Dog Federation of New York is a statewide coalition of dog clubs, organizations and individual dog owners that serves the public interest by educating citizens and public officials on dog safety and responsible dog ownership. DFNY advocates for strong, and humane dog-related legislation and is committed to working with municipalities across the state.
Visit us on the web at www.DogFederationofNewYork.org
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1 comment:
Because we appealed to our condo board, we got to keep our rescued bichon if we pay $50 extra per month. Our dog is 11 yrs old, rescued from a puppy mill at Staten Is. Animal Control. She gave us comfort as we dealt with multiple personal tragedies last couple of years. Now my neighbor-board member says she cant come to the laundry room with me b/c of public health regs. Is that true? The dog weighs 10 lbs soaking wet-- less than most cats in the bldg. If my dog sits on the floor by me while I do laundry and leave-- is that violating a public space?
Signed-- getting on in years
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