With the rise in unprovoked street attacks, particularly against women, it's critical that New Yorkers have effective and legal means to protect themselves. Unfortunately, outdated laws from 1997 severely restrict access to pepper spray, forcing many to seek unreliable and potentially unsafe alternatives. This petition demands urgent updates to these laws to enhance public safety.

Under the current regulations, New Yorkers are barred from having pepper spray delivered to their homes and can only purchase sprays that are half as strong as those available in most other states. Furthermore, UV dye—which can significantly aid police in identifying assailants—is prohibited. This has led to desperate measures where women, in an effort to protect themselves, resort to buying unverified pepper spray, such as from individuals in subways. These products may be expired, improperly formulated, or otherwise ineffective. Additionally, some licensed dealers are exploiting the high demand by marking up prices to three times the online rate, placing a financial burden on those seeking protection. As a result, some women don’t carry pepper spray at all.

Demand
We demand that the New York State Legislature and the Governor:

1. Allow pepper spray to be delivered to residences to ensure wider accessibility and help prevent price gouging.
2. Increase the legal capsaicin content to match the federal standard, providing effective self-defense capabilities.
3. Legalize the inclusion of UV dye in pepper sprays to aid in the identification and apprehension of assailants.

Call to Action
Your signature can make New York safer for everyone. Sign this petition to urge New York lawmakers to reform pepper spray regulations, ensuring that all residents have access to effective self-defense tools. Share this with your family, friends, and networks to help spread the word and build the pressure needed to enact change.

Let’s stand together to protect ourselves and our loved ones. It’s time for New York to align its self-defense laws with the needs of its citizens. Together, we can create a safer tomorrow. Sign and share today—make your voice heard!