Mayor de Blasio Signs Legislation Requiring Fire Prevention Systems at Animal Service Facilities

September 2, 2015

Also signs legislation clarifying requirements for price displays at gas stations

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio today signed three bills into law – Intro. 145-A, in relation to automatic sprinkler systems at animal services facilities, and Intros 287-A and 586-A, which clarify requirements for price displays at gas stations. The Mayor also held public hearings for Intros 682-A, 700-A, and 757-A, which will amend the Housing Maintenance Code to protect tenants from harassment.

The first bill, Intro. 145-A, requires animal service facilities to install automatic sprinkler systems to protect animals from fires. Animal services facilities include animal hospitals, kennels, vet clinics, and pet shops. Facilities that are already under 24-hour supervision and have smoke alarms or automatic smoke detection systems are exempt from this law.

“Sadly, in recent years, fires have taken the lives of animals trapped in facilities without proper fire prevention equipment. This legislation will prevent future tragedies – using every tool possible to protect animals and ensure they are treated fairly and compassionately. Also, Intros 287-A and 586-A will protect consumers from price gouging at the pump by making sure gas prices are listed accurately and clearly,” said Mayor de Blasio. “I want to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito for her leadership on all of these bills, and Council Member Johnson, Council Member Arroyo and Council Member Espinal for sponsoring these bills.”

“We have a responsibility to care for our pets and protect them from harm,” said Council Member Corey Johnson. “Fire precautions and sprinklers can make the difference between life and death. Establishments with sprinklers are significantly less likely to experience serious damage than those without, and when there are animals being housed overnight, unaccompanied, we need to ensure that this fundamental safeguard is in place. It has taken over 15 years to get this bill passed and I thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for signing it into law.”

The second and third bills, Intros 287-A and 586-A, clarify requirements for price displays at gas stations. Intro. 287-A requires gas station signs advertising prices to include, at minimum, the price per gallon of the lowest grade gasoline including taxes. This bill also allows eligible gas stations to use LED signs to advertise prices. Intro. 586-A requires gas stations with different prices for cash and credit or debit payments to display the price for each method of payment on roadside signs, if the gas station has them.

“New Yorkers who drive should not be met with a different price at the pump than gas station road signs advertise to street traffic. Motor fuel is a necessity to many and the price of this item, like any, ought to be transparent. The cash, debit, credit price scheme is confusing, which is why the gas station signage bill is a common sense piece of legislation that protects the consumer from misleading advertisements. As chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee, I carefully work to protect the consumer while balancing the interest of businesses in our city. I firmly believe this bill accomplishes both and will benefit drivers and gas stations alike,” said Council Member Rafael L. Espinal, Jr.