Hopefully the letters from your doctor and bereavement counselor will convince the condo to give you permission to have a dog. If the condo does not give permission after receiving the letters, you can file a complaint with HUD, www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm or 800-669-9777. You may wish to hire an attorney to assist you if your condo is uncooperative. As I have mentioned in prior responses in the column, housing discrimination based on a person’s disability is illegal. The Fair Housing Act protects the right of people with disabilities, including emotional disabilities, to keep animals even if such person has a no-pet lease. Essentially, landlords must make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, and practices to afford a disabled person with the opportunity to enjoy his/her dwelling. Often a letter from a physician or therapist stating that the tenant has a disability which limits a major life activity and that a support animal is needed for the tenant to use and enjoy the dwelling is sufficient. 

 

New York does not have a specific state law addressing chaining or tethering, although at least one municipality (Canandaigua) and perhaps more do have such laws. We do not track local laws so to find out if there is a local law where you live, you should contact your town attorney or town clerk. However, there are state laws prohibiting cruelty to animals and a state law that sets standards for the sheltering of dogs left outdoors. I suggest you contact your local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (many have law enforcement officers) and police if you suspect an animal is being mistreated. Rescue Ink (www.rescueink.org) also does inspections of suspected animal abuse and works to improve conditions for animals, although that organization does not have law enforcement authority.