ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A new law in New York State will require shelters for domestic violence victims to house victims' service dogs.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law late Monday.
The lawmakers who wrote the bill say victims of domestic violence who rely on service animals may be reluctant to leave their abuser because they fear being separated from their animal.
In a message announcing his signature, Cuomo expressed concerns that the presence of dogs at a shelter could pose a problem for other shelter residents who are allergic, or who have small children that might fear the animal.
But he said the Legislature has agreed to delay the requirement to give shelters time to ensure they can house humans and service animals without incident.
