Animal Law Enforcement/Nuisance Complaint
VPHS monitors carriage horses to ensure for the safe and humane operation of the industry and offers a course to train carriage horse drivers. All drivers are required to pass this course in order to operate a hansom cab in New York City. VPHS also monitors other horses for hire in the city. All working horses must have a permit which is issued by VPHS and is renewable annually. VPHS also issues permits for animal shelters, pet shops, groomers and animal boarding establishments. Persons applying for those permits must take a class offered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and pass a test. The proposed facility must pass an inspection conducted by VPHS. For more information call VPHS at 311.
New York City has many laws that apply to the keeping of animals, some of which carry fines of up to $2,000 per violation. Some of the regulations pertaining to animals are the Dog License Law, the Dog Leash Law, the Canine Waste Law (Pooper Scoop"), the Rabies Vaccination Law and the Animal Nuisance Law. VPHS works with the Police, the Parks Department, the Sanitation Department and other agencies to enforce these regulations. DOH will take complaints concerning the presence of animals or will refer you to the appropriate agency. To make a complaint call DOHMH Central Complaints at 311. For additional information regarding the animal laws or applicable permits call VPHS at 311.
