New York Governor Signs Bill Restricting Home Insurers Over Dog Breeds

New York Governor Kathy Hochul last month signed a legislative package relating to animal welfare.

The package includes legislation S.4254/A.4075, which prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium for certain policies based solely on the breed of dog owned.

“To own a pet is a blessing and we owe it to the animals of New York to keep them safe and healthy,” Hochul said in a press release issued by her office. “Dogs of all breeds deserve loving homes and no one should have to fear losing their insurance coverage based on the dog they own.”

Also in the package is legislation S.5023A/S.5823, which mandates that veterinarians report suspected animal cruelty to appropriate authorities to investigate. This legislation also protects the identity of those veterinarians and allows them to receive a copy of any report generated.

“We are so pleased that Governor Hochul has signed these two animal welfare bills into law, and especially grateful for the measure preventing insurance companies from overcharging or denying families coverage simply because they own a specific breed of dog,” Bill Ketzer, senior director of state legislation for the ASPCA, Eastern Division, said in the release. “During a time of unprecedented housing challenges for New Yorkers, the cost and availability of insurance has become an even more onerous barrier to homeownership for families with pets.”

Source: Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul

Topics Carriers New York Homeowners