Dog Dispute Takes $90K Bite Out Of Largest NYC Housing Complex For Refusal To Allow Resident With Certified Mental Health Issues To Keep Companion Pet

In Co-Op City, The Bronx, the New York Post reports:

• Co-Op City plans to review its pet policy after the city’s Human Rights Commission found it had discriminated against a tenant with a certified psychiatric disability who wanted to keep a dog. The city’s largest housing complex now faces extraordinary penalties of more than $90,000.



• “We get the message,” said Jeffrey Buss, a lawyer for the 15,372-apartment Bronx development. “This is not what we’re about. We’re a very tolerant and inclusive community. We’re going to be reviewing our policy.”



• Co-Op City has a no-pet policy but makes exceptions for companion animals for medical reasons. A tenant identified only as L.D. in legal papers filed for such an exception based on a long history of depression and other mental-health issues. But she was rejected in what an administrative law judge concluded was a “superficial” review.



• Buss called the $90,150 in penalties “harsh and disproportionate” and said an appeal was in the works, noting that the tenant was allowed to keep her pet.

Source: Court bites Co-Op City.

Go here for a summary of recent cash settlements for those aggrieved by violations of the New York City Human Rights Law.