Res. No. 43
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to repeal State law which currently bans the passage of dangerous dog local legislation that is specific as to breed, so that New York City may ban ownership or possession of pit bulls in the City.
By Council Members McMahon, Clarke and Fidler
Whereas, Attacks by dangerous dogs can lead to either serious physical injury or death; and
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as 800,000 people nationwide, more than half of them children, require medical attention for dog bites each year, and about a dozen people die each year from dog bite injuries; and
Whereas, Attacks by dogs on people have often involved dogs of the pit bull breed, and on December 2, 2003, the New York Daily News reported that a four-year old girl was bitten on the ankle by a pit bull; and
Whereas, Dog bites and attacks can be largely preventable through appropriate public health laws which place restrictions on the ownership, possession or handling of dogs deemed to be dangerous; and
Whereas, Certain cities, such as Denver, have banned ownership of pit bulls; and
Whereas, Currently, Section 107 of the New York State Agricultural and Markets Law prevents municipalities, including New York City, from passing any laws which regulate dangerous “dogs in a manner that is specific as to breed”; and
Whereas, In order to properly protect all individuals living and working in New York City, the City must have the ability prohibit the ownership or possession of breeds of dogs deemed dangerous; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to repeal State law which currently bans the passage of dangerous dog local legislation that is specific as to breed, so that New York City may ban ownership or possession of pit bulls in the City.
DP
LS# 3576
12/9/03