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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S.7112/A.4956) Tuesday to authorize pets boarding any public transportation service in the event of a state of emergency and evacuation. This legislation expands existing law to include Port Authority Public Transportation and is consistent with current emergency operation plans pertaining to the needs of animals and pet owners.

"For many New Yorkers, their pets are members of their families, and no one should be forced to abandon them in the event of an evacuation," Governor Cuomo said. "I'm proud to sign this commonsense, humane legislation to bring comfort to pet owners in times of distress."

During Superstorm Sandy, many pet owners refused to evacuate when requested because they could not take their companion animals with them to safety. This situation to refuse evacuation not only jeopardized the lives of residents and defenseless pets, but also the emergency personnel struggling to evacuate them.

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, "Pets are like family, and no one should be expected to leave a beloved family member behind to fend for themselves in a natural disaster. This law will ensure that all New Yorkers - both two- and four-legged - can escape to safety on all available means of public transportation, including those operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey."

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