BILL NUMBER:  S678A

 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-a that will requires the
department of health to ensure the prompt removal of any raccoon from
any outdoor public or private property upon receiving notice from a
member of the public that a raccoon or raccoons have created a
nuisance at such property.

The department of health will also be required to coordinate the
humane release of raccoons with the department of parks and
recreation, provided that the department deems the release poses no
threat to public health or safety, in accordance with the rules of the
              

department. Further, in conjunction with the department of parks and
recreation, the department will be required to establish a program to
spay or neuter all raccoons captured pursuant to this section prior to
their humane release.

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 :

2015: S.678 referred to Cities;
2013-14: S.453 referred to Cities;
2011-12: S.5865-A referred to Cities /A.8652-A (Hevesi) referred to
Cities.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :

To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.