09-04-2025
New York bill aims to help homeless people and their pets stay together
NEW YORK (PIX11) – A new state bill aims to expand access to co-sheltering, allowing homeless people and domestic abuse survivors to stay together with their pets during a housing crisis.
Senate Bill S673, sponsored by New York state Sen. Monica R. Martinez, would establish the housing people and animals together grant program.
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'The intent of this grant program is to aid in further reducing barriers to sheltered housing for people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence with companion animals by providing funding assistance to organizations and municipal shelters that serve such populations,' the purpose of the bill read.
Martinez is also sponsoring other animal-related bills, including bill S896, which requires New York's emergency management to include animal provisions to ensure pets are not left behind during disasters.
Bill S1742 strengthens penalties for those who do not provide adequate shelter for dogs left outside in extreme weather, and bill S1743 allows SPCA officers to enforce animal cruelty laws.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
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