Dee DeQuattro
ddequattro@abc6.com
This bill is for the dogs, literally. Senate Majority Leader
Dominick Ruggerio has introduced legislation to prohibit property owners from mandating
tenants "debark" or "declaw" their animals.
"These acts are inhumane for any
animal to go through, unless there is a real medical necessity. Imagine
if your ability to talk or defend yourself was suddenly taken away from you. We
must put an end to this," said Ruggerio.
The legislation will prohibit any
person or corporation that occupies, own, or manages a property from requiring a
pet be declawed or devocalized.
If the legislation passes violators
could face fines up to $1,000 be barred from owning pets and required to take humane
education, pet ownership, or dog training classes.
