(NewsNation) — While they may greet you and add charm to your local corner store, bodega cats aren’t technically legal in New York City. Now, a new bill aims to change that.
City Councilmember Keith Powers introduced legislation last month that would legalize bodega cats and create a free vaccination program for those that are registered.
“Bodega cats are a staple of any good bodega — they keep the rodents away and play a significant role in building community,” Powers said in a statement. “I’m proud to be introducing a bill in the City Council to change the city health code to allow these cats to live in bodegas, get registered, and get vaccinated for free.”
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What does the law currently say about bodega cats?
Under current New York City Department of Health rules, animals aren’t allowed in food establishments, aside from service animals. That means even healthy, well-cared-for cats can lead to fines for store owners during inspections…