Int. No. 1181
By Council Member Cohen
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the use of dogs or cats as security in certain contracts
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 5 of title 20 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new subchapter 21 to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER 21
PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF DOGS OR CATS AS SECURITY
§ 20-840 Prohibited terms. No contract for the purchase of any permanent or temporary right or interest in a dog or a cat, or the financing of such purchase, shall include any provisions which authorize the use of a dog or a cat as security where such dog or cat may be repossessed by the seller, lessor or lender contingent on the purchaser making payments under such contract, provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the purchase of a dog or a cat through an unsecured personal loan, nor be construed to limit the enforcement of other laws, rights or remedies which are otherwise available under any other law.
§ 20-841 Enforcement. a. Penalty. Any seller, lessor or lender who violates section 20-840 of this subchapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500, in addition to any other penalty, remedy or relief provided for by law.
b. Effect on contract. Any provision prohibited by section 20-840 of this subchapter contained in any contract shall be unenforceable, provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to render unenforceable any lawful provisions contained in any contract.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
NC
LS #8002
8/30/18