Senate Bill S453

                                BILL NUMBER:S453

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to
the removal of raccoons

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The legislation will require the New York City Department of Health to
respond to requests for removal of raccoons upon outdoor public or
private property.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends the administrative code of the city of
New York by adding a new section 17-198 that will require the
Department of Health to ensure the prompt removal of any raccoon from
any outdoor public or private property upon receiving a request for
such removal from a member of the public.

Section 2 provides for this act to take effect immediately.

JUSTIFICATION:
Raccoons have become an increasing menace to residents of the city of
New York and their numbers continue to rise. These animals are very
industrious when it comes to foraging For food and create a health
hazard as a result of breaking into locked as well as unlocked
              

commercial and residential garbage bins and spread waste over wide
areas in their paths. in addition, many of these animals are
aggressive and have posed dangers to citizens and
domesticated animals. This includes the spread of disease since these
animals are common carriers of rabies, canine distemper and the very
dangerous raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris progonis).

At present, the city provides no assistance to property owners who
find raccoons on their properties, unless the animals are reported as
rabid. 311, as well as the Animal Care and Control, merely suggest
that homeowners call licensed wildlife removal services or licensed
private trappers which cost upwards of $250 and much more to remove a
raccoon from a particular property.

Given the clear health hazard and danger to public safety presented by
these animals, the Department of Health should be required to provide
assistance to property owners who ask to have such animals removed.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2011-12: S.5865A/A.8652A (Hevesi)

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.