One legislator in New York City is advocating for a law that would “completely legalize” the presence of bodega cats throughout the five boroughs.
Keith Powers, a member of the City Council who is also competing for the position of Manhattan Borough President, recently presented a plan that would modify the city’s health code in order to permit pets, which are unexpectedly forbidden but are extremely common.
“There are a lot of things that come to mind when you think of New York City, but bodegas – and the cats that live in them – are one of the iconic parts of our city,” Powers stated.
“Bodega cats embody the New York spirit: friendly, welcoming, and anti-rat. I’m proud that my legislation will codify them into city law and provide resources to keep them healthy,” he continued.
In accordance with the local and state health rules, bodega cats are not permitted. As a result, they are completely unregulated, which leaves the door open for abuse and neglect.
“The state also has a role to play here,” a rep for Powers stated, “but this legislation takes care of the city issue, by amending the city health code to specifically allow bodega cats. It paves the way for the state to make the necessary changes on their end to fully legalize bodega cats.”
In addition, the law, which is scheduled to be presented in the next weeks, intends to establish a vaccination program that is free of charge for the managers of the three-legged delis.
Read Also: Trump Says He Intends to Eliminate FEMA Following 2025 Hurricane Season
A community petition that criticized “outdated health codes and inconsistent care practices” for putting cats in danger and burdening owners with “unfair fines” served as the impetus for the measure. The petition was intended to assist bodega owners with essential veterinarian services.
The person who started the petition, Dan Rimada, who is also the founder of Bodega Cats of New York, said that the legislation was a “huge moment” for both the people who adore bodega cats and the cats themselves.
“While the bill is still being finalized, this is the first formal step toward creating city policy that recognizes what we’ve always known,” Rimada stated, “bodega cats belong here.”
