Bodega cats are taking New York politics by storm, with yet another bill announced on Wednesday to protect the friendly felines in NYC.
NYC Council Member Frank Morano (R-Staten Island) introduced on April 15 the “Bodega Cat Bill” aimed at supporting small businesses and protecting animal health.
The bill, Intro. 1471, would remove NYC’s prohibition on cats in retail food stores while establishing a framework to ensure their health and safety. The proposal also establishes voluntary, but city-supported, programs to provide free vaccinations and spay and neutering services for the cats.
“Bodega cats are already a reality across New York City,” Morano said. “This bill is about acknowledging that reality, supporting small business owners and making sure these animals are healthy and cared for. It’s common sense.”
The legislation builds on prior efforts introduced in the NYC Council by former council member and current Assembly Member Keith Powers (LES, Midtown).
Legalizing bodega cats: A city and state effort
The topic has been purring its way through the state Legislature, too.
Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal (D-Upper West Side) introduced a bill last year that would provide health and safety guidelines to help ensure humane treatment of the cats. If Rosenthal’s bill is enacted, the law would direct the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to establish an official statewide care standard for cats who live in retail stores.
But the city and state proposals are not the same. Under current rules in the Big Apple, the NYC Health Code technically prohibits live animals in retail food stores, Morano explained. His legislation would eliminate the city-level ban, though state regulations would still need to be addressed before store owners are fully permitted to keep cats.
“This is a smart, incremental step,” the council member said. “We’re removing the city’s own barriers while working toward a broader solution with our partners at the state level.”
In addition to clarifying city law, the bill directs the Office of Animal Welfare, in partnership with the Department of Small Business Services, to establish outreach and support programs for store owners. These programs would provide no-cost vaccinations, spay and neutering services, and ensure information is accessible in multiple languages.
Supporters of the bill said bodega cats have an important job of handling pest control in stores—all while looking cute and adding to community charm.
“This bill would protect the shops that rely on them for pest control while validating the hard work that rescues have done for years,” Dan Rimada of the advocacy group Bodega Cats of New York told amNewYork. “The 14,000 signatures on our petition show the city is ready for this change.”
While legislation continues to move through the city and state, Rimada partnered last week with pet product company Lesure to support bodega cats in a different way, by donating self-cleaning litter boxes and beds to bodegas with cats across NYC.
“Local rescues and neighborhoods have always looked out for bodega cats, but without official city recognition, there is a hard limit on the resources available to help these working animals,” Rimada said. “We appreciate Council Member Morano and former Council Member Powers for introducing Int. 1471 to remove that barrier as well as brands like Lesure, who really stepped up to offer tangible support by donating litter boxes and cat beds to real bodega cats through our collaboration.”
Concerns from animal rescue groups
Though support for the bill is strong, some animal rescuers who work hands-on and often use their own money to care for neglected cats expressed concerns.
“For every well-cared-for bodega cat, there are 10 more in basements, not fed to encourage rodent control, without proper litter, sleeping on concrete floors and breeding kittens that are sold for profit without vet care that are then continuing to contribute to the overpopulation crisis,” said Meagan Licari, executive director of Puppy KittyNYCity rescue.
She explained that the proposed law only encourages things like vaccinations and spaying/neutering instead of requiring them, meaning store owners can still keep cats without proper care and won’t face consequences.
“As written, this bill mandates voluntary vaccination and spay/neuter programs, meaning bodegas are being given permission to have unvetted cats with no repercussions which will continue to overburden the rescue community,” Licari explained.
She also urged the council to have a plan for mandatory compliance, enforcement, funding and clinic availability.
Allie Taylor, president of Voters for Animal Rights, underscored the rescue’s points.
“What New Yorkers—and their pets—urgently need are investments in proven, upstream solutions: publicly funded, low-cost spay and neuter services in every borough, expanded access to affordable veterinary care, and pet food support to help families keep their animals at home and out of shelters,” she said. “We urge the City Council to focus its attention and resources on policies that prevent suffering at scale and strengthen the safety net for both animals and the people who care for them.”
Morano, in the meantime, acknowledged the bill is one step toward a grander solution for protecting both bodega cats and store owners.
