New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) announced that her bill, A.5956-C/S.4327-A, which would permit restaurants to allow pet dogs to accompany diners in outdoor dining areas, was signed into law by the Governor today. The law, which takes effect immediately, allows restaurants to choose whether to allow dogs. In addition, it establishes minimum safety and sanitary standards and also permits municipalities to regulate the practice.

“Taking the whole family out to dinner takes on a new meaning now that my bill has become law," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “Restaurant owners can now cash in on all the doting dog owners throughout our state who had previously stayed home just to be with their pup.”

The law places the power in the hands of the restaurant owner to design a business model that either includes or does not include dogs. Despite always having been illegal, local departments of health have been willfully blind to the practice, and there has been little enforcement of the prohibition throughout the years.

"I have received calls from people across the state asking when this bill would finally be enacted," said Assemblymember Rosenthal. "While the prime summer season is over, people with still have a few mild fall weeks to dine with their dogs legally in New York."

In 2012, Los Angeles, CA enacted similar legislation. With no increase in the number of animal on person incidents or complaints related to dogs in restaurants reported to the LA County Department of Health, the law was expanded statewide in YEAR. To date, California has not seen an increase in related injury reports or health complaints.

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal partnered with Social Compassion in Legislation, a California based animal welfare organization that was instrumental in securing passage of that state's law, on New York's law.

Judie Mancuso, President of Social Compassion in Legislation, who spearheaded the bill said, “We would like to send our deepest appreciation to Governor Cuomo for signing the “Dining with Dogs” bill for the State of New York. Since it has been law in California, the outcome has been more families enjoying their new favorite restaurants with their furry best friends. This law is a crowd pleaser for entrepreneurs and the pet loving community, congratulations New York!”

Owner of Blossom Restaurants, Pamela Blackwell said, “It truly warms my heart knowing that NYC has passed the "Dining with Dogs" bill -- thank you Governor Cuomo! As a restaurant owner, animal lover, and lifelong New Yorker, I am thrilled to finally be able to welcome guests AND their animal companions to dine with us."

“Bravo to Governor Cuomo for signing into law a bill that will protect companion dogs from being left in hot cars or tied to cold lampposts where they are vulnerable to extreme weather, theft and neglect. Instead they will be welcomed legally to dine with their family members. New York just got a lot more compassionate,” said Simone Reyes, native New Yorker, and Director of Television Development Russell Simmons' Def Pictures.

“As a lifelong New Yorker and dog parent, I am thrilled beyond measure as are all my fellow New Yorkers. Thank you Governor Cuomo for signing this win win bill for business owners and their animal loving patrons,” said Jane Velez-Mitchell, NY Times bestselling author, and local animal advocate.