Tony Avella for Mayor

Tony Avella is the leading advocate of animal rights and welfare in City government. As a City Council Member, he authored several important pieces of legislation to protect animals.

In the 2007 the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC) “New York City Council Humane Scorecard” Tony received a 100% rating with two of his bills highlighted in their report: Reso. 497 “Humane Education” and Intro. 13 “Pets in Housing”.

In 2007, Tony received an award from the LOHV-NYC for his efforts on behalf of animals. In May 2008, Tony was honored by In Defense of Animals with a “Companion Animal Guardian Award.”

A brief description of key pieces of animal rights/welfare legislation authored by Tony follows:

Horse Drawn Carriage Ban

The purpose of Tony’s proposed Horse Drawn Carriage ban is to repeal all provisions within the administrative code that authorize the operation of horse-drawn carriages within New York City.

On September 14, 2007, yet another horse was killed after being startled on the street. The horse died after bolting across Central Park South, colliding with a tree and breaking her leg. At the same time, another horse waiting in the area was startled by the commotion and also bolted down the block, ending up on the hood of a car stopped in traffic. Luckily this horse caused only physical damage to the car and not to itself or the drivers of either the carriage or the car. This most recent death was preceded by two others in January and September of 2006, bringing the total number of carriage horse deaths to 3 in less than two years.

These horses are exposed to traffic conditions that are so congested, it is extremely likely that more accidents will occur, more horses will die and the public will continue to be put at risk.

Tony believes that the time has come to ban the operation of these businesses within New York City. The romanticized idea of enjoying a carriage horse ride through the streets of Manhattan can no longer justify the inhumane treatment and risk of serious injury or death to these animals or to the public at large.

Pets In Housing Bill

This legislation would clarify the rights of pet owners in New York City multiple dwellings.

Currently, tenants who have had pets for years in the same apartment with the owners’ knowledge are not protected when they get a new pet. This is an extreme hardship for many tenants whose quality of life is greatly enhanced by pets, and who have been forced to give up a pet or move.

This legislation would restore, in part, the right of rental tenants in multiple dwellings to ensure that once the no-pet clause is waived for one pet, the rental tenant may replace that pet or pets without being subject to eviction for violating the no-pet lease clause.

HEART Resolution

This Resolution calls upon the New York City (NYC) Department of Education (DOE) to follow the New York State Education Law, which requires instruction on the humane treatment and protection of animals. Tony’s resolution directs DOE to require all NYC elementary schools to teach humane education as part of the yearly curriculum.

<b>Photo:</b>Tony Avella; Mr. Tony Chiappelloni, Presidents of Fido Brooklyn, and various participants at the Fido Coffee Bark.