"When the original bill to legalize bodega cats was introduced in November 2025 as Intro. 1471, it quickly captured public attention. Drafted with the help of advocates and co-sponsors from across the political spectrum, the legislation aimed to formally update the city's health code to allow cats in bodegas, a practice beloved by many New Yorkers but technically still restricted under existing rules."
"Into that gap stepped Councilmember Frank Morano, representing Staten Island's District 51. Morano volunteered to take over as the prime sponsor of the bill, offering a critical lifeline to the legislation. What makes Morano's involvement particularly noteworthy is his position as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic Council-an indicator that support for bodega cats may cross typical partisan lines. Morano responded to the call for a new lead sponsor just minutes after outreach began,"
Intro. 1471 was introduced in November 2025 to legalize bodega cats and update the city's health code. Advocates and bipartisan co-sponsors drafted the measure to allow cats in bodegas, a beloved but technically restricted practice. Lead sponsor Councilmember Keith Powers is term-limited and will leave at the end of 2025, risking the bill's momentum as the new session begins in January 2026. Councilmember Frank Morano of Staten Island volunteered to become the prime sponsor, signaling cross-partisan backing and giving the proposal a renewed chance for legal recognition and protections in 2026.
Read at felinefam.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]