Overview

• Council Member Keith Powers will introduce the bill at the next City Council meeting later this month.
• The proposal would amend the city health code to officially allow cats in food establishments.
• Bodega owners seeking certification must meet humane standards, including veterinary checkups, spaying or neutering, proper feeding and designated rest areas.
• A free vaccination program would cover all cats registered under the new certification system.
• The legislation follows a grassroots petition with over 12,000 signatures and responds to the cats’ role in neighborhood rodent control.