Animal rights activists and dog-lovers alike are celebrating a huge win out of New York: New legislation prevents insurance companies from discriminating against dog breeds.

The law came after a several-year push calling for the end of breed discrimination in New York housing.

According to Syracuse News, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill 4254 on October 30, 2021. The bill went into effect this January, and “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.”

Previously, insurance companies would refuse to service or would add increased fees to owners of breeds labeled as “aggressive,” such as pit bulls, German shepherds, and Doberman pinschers.

The issue not only made housing for dog owners challenging to find but also discouraged pet owners from adopting those breeds – breeds that are often found in shelters with high rates of euthanasia.

Libby Post with NYS Animal Protection Federation told Syracuse News, “It’s not fair to the animals and not fair to the homeowners who want to give their pets loving homes.”

The bill is a huge step in the right direction for animal welfare and will hopefully inspire other states to adopt similar legislation to end breed discrimination.

You can sign this petition to help fight breed discrimination against dogs.

Read more about how breed discrimination negatively impacts dogs and how it can be the difference between life and death for shelter pets. People around the world are fighting to end breed discrimination and advocate for breeds unfairly labeled “aggressive.” 

Related Content: 

• South Dakota’s Days of Dog Breed Discrimination are Over!
• WTH?! Delta Airlines Banned Pit Bull Service and Support Dogs … But No Other Breeds
• Petition: Repeal Discriminatory Breed Specific Legislation in the UK

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