New Yorkers are increasingly seeing dogs riding loose on NYC subways, trains and buses.

The MTA already has rules requiring non-service animals to be properly enclosed. Yet these rules are too often ignored, and enforcement appears inconsistent.

This is not an attack on people with disabilities or legitimate service animals. Legitimate service animals are protected by law and must remain protected.

This petition is about enforcing existing rules for ordinary pets.

There is also a public-health concern. NYC’s crowded transit system is used by millions of people, including children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems. Animals can carry parasites and infectious organisms, and close contact with animals, their saliva, urine, feces, or contaminated surfaces can create sanitation and health concerns.

We call on the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the MTA to take these concerns seriously and provide clear guidance regarding the public-health and sanitation implications of non-service dogs riding loose on public transportation.

Passengers should not have to deal with loose dogs, unwanted contact, animal waste, or potential health and sanitation concerns in crowded subway cars, buses and stations.

The rules already exist. Enforce them.

We are calling on the MTA, NYC Transit and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to:

Enforce existing rules requiring non-service dogs to be properly enclosed.
Address dogs riding loose on subway cars, trains, buses, platforms and stations.
Investigate and address sanitation and public-health concerns involving animals on public transit.
Provide clear public guidance regarding health and sanitation concerns associated with close contact with animals in crowded public spaces.
Apply enforcement consistently throughout the transit system.
Fully protect the rights of people with legitimate service animals.
NYC’s transit system belongs to everyone. Public-health, sanitation and transit rules should not simply be ignored.

Sign this petition and tell NYC:

Enforce the rules. Protect public health. Keep non-service dogs properly enclosed on public transportation.