According to NYC's city health code, hedgehogs are prohibited for being "wild animals" (see article 161, sec. b.23.) A wild animal is defined as, "any animals which are naturally inclined to do harm and capable of inflicting harm upon human beings" (art. 161 sec. b)

As anyone who has encountered a hedgehog knows, hedgehogs are quiet, gentle, and low maintenance pets. A domesticated hedgehog is no more wild than a guinea pig (and just as unlikely to survive in the wild.) Hedgehogs are not known for biting, and it is not their normal form of defense/aggression. Nor do they have particularly harmful teeth. Furthermore, though a hedgehog's quills are spiky, even if they are raised there is little chance of serious harm.

Given this information, I see no reason why hedgehogs should be banned from New York City. Hedgehogs are legal everywhere else in New York state. They make great pets for many types of people and should be allowed in NYC.