Senate Passes Lanza's Bill to Keep Our Pets Safe During Disasters

The New York State Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Andrew Lanza to allow owners to take their companion animals on public transportation if a state of emergency is declared.

Senate Bill S.3850 would allow owners to take companion animals on public transportation during official states of emergency, so long as the animal is under the owner’s control (tether, leash, “appropriate container”, or “other suitable means”), and the boarding is consistent with local emergency plans.  The bill applies to owners who are evacuating the region affected by the emergency.

Senator Andrew Lanza said, “During Superstorm Sandy, hundreds of pets were lost or abandoned and many pet owners refused to evacuate because they could not take their companion animals with them to safety. This bill will help ensure that the lives of the residents, their defenseless pets and emergency personnel struggling to assist with evacuations are not unnecessarily jeopardized.”

The bill does allow for a domestic animal to be refused if there is a health or safety hazard.  Passengers with service animals will be provided priority seating, and passengers must be given seating before a companion animal is given a seat.

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