ASPCA | NYC Dogs Threatened by NYCHA Housing Policy

ASPCA Blog

October 19, 2009

NYC Dogs Threatened by NYCHA Housing Policy

The ASPCA and the Mayor's Alliance For NYC's Animals are calling for a re-examination of the New York City Public Housing (NYCHA) policy that went into effect on May 1 of this year. The ban-one of the strictest from any public housing authority in the country-prohibits adult canines who reach a weight of over 25 pounds from living in public housing. NYCHA tenants are also banned from owning purebred or mixed-breed Rottweilers, Pit Bulls or Doberman Pinschers and are only permitted to have one dog or cat.

Fearing eviction, NYCHA tenants have been surrendering their pets to New York City Animal Care & Control (AC&C), which has a contract with the city to take in unwanted animals. As a result, healthy, well-behaved pets are being removed from their homes and falling prey to overcrowded conditions and an array of illnesses in the city's shelter system. "These dogs are not coming into the shelter ill," says Jane Hoffman, President of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. "They're healthy when they arrive."

According to data gathered by the Mayor's Alliance For NYC's Animals, between April 1 and October 8 of this year, 119 dogs were surrendered by NYCHA residents to AC&C. Roughly half of these pets have been euthanized.

However, 62 of the NYCHA dogs have made it out of the NYC shelter system-16 have been adopted, 46 have been transferred to pet rescues and shelters with larger holding capacity and a handful have been taken back by their owners who plan to fight to keep their dogs.

"These people consider their pets family members," notes Hoffman. "This is not just an issue for the animals. It's a great loss for the families who are giving them up."

According to Debora Bresch, an attorney with ASPCA Government Relations, the new NYCHA policy also means that available homes for shelter dogs have decreased. "About 172 dogs at the AC&C were adopted by public housing residents in the weeks before the new pet policy went into effect," says Bresch.

"Under the new policy, 107 of these dogs-over 60 percent-are no longer allowed to live with their new adoptive families. Assuming that NYCHA residents would have continued to adopt now-prohibited dogs, the new policy could mean that well over a 1,000 dogs per year will be unable to find the good homes they deserve."

Category:: New York City

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Submitted by jess at:March 26, 2013 11:14 AM
nycha IS shitty place, all these new dog policies doenst make sense to me, they should do reasch more, most larger breeds are more friend;y and clam.and also its all depends on the owner.. i still see some inresponsible owner dont pick up thier small dog's waste and the dog yimmping all he time .. wazz differnce..? it just give them rights to do the wrong thing!!
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Submitted by Tuyen at:December 27, 2012 01:36 AM
I should have wretitn this long ago. Randy took a vicious, fear filled dog who had undoubtedly been abused, and taught us patience. This dog, Simpson, a Black Mouth Curr, known for aggression, was rescued at about 3 months. After finding homes and having him returned, we decided to keep him. I cannot tell you how mean and territorial he was. To the point of attacking us if we came too close. My husband insisted that he had potential. But it was so clear, this dog was too vicious to be a pet. Then we called Randy. Randy explained fear aggression'. He taught us to work with Simpson not against him. And each night as this 85 lb puppy' curls up against me, I am thankful that I listened to my husband who had faith in Simpson's potential. But more so, I am so grateful for Randy. What made me call his number? I don't know. But I'm glad I did. Simpson is well behaved, smart, loving and loyal. A bit excited when friends come over and maybe a little protective. But he is home. Where he belongs. Thanks to Wipe Your Paws and Randy.
Submitted by Rabah at:October 26, 2012 12:54 AM
Lots of college stdnuets go through this. You need to leave the dog at home. She's not going to forget about you and your mother sounds like she will do a fine job of caring for her. It's sad, but it's a reality that almost every college student with a pet has to face. It's not like you will never see her again, you will just see her a bit less.Maybe after your first or second year, you could consider trying to find an apartment. But, you will be very busy at school and will have trouble finding time for your dog. It's also a big expense for a student to handle. You need to do what is best for your dog in this situation.You also can't plan which college you to to around your dog. You know that is silly, choose the school that is going to give you the best education.
Submitted by bree at:December 6, 2009 12:00 AM
this is to rosemarie they do that becase the need to check him,if he has a way of being able to move on but he did not so they put him to sleep. it makes me cry all the time and they only do that so he dont suffer.
Submitted by Eileen at:November 19, 2009 12:00 AM
The NYC Housing Ban should have only been allowed to effect pets who were adopted AFTER this unfair ban went into effect; not pets already living in the home. As usual, the pets are the ones who fall victim because of (some) irresponsible pet owners.
Submitted by Rosemarie at:November 14, 2009 12:00 AM
Why did you save Oreo's life (the dog who was thrown from the roof of the building) only to kill him later? You gave us hope, then you went and euthanized him. Shame on you!!!