There isn't a whole lot to look forward to in the event that NYC is hit with a natural disaster, but the one piece of good news is that it'll get cute little animals on the subway. A "Noah's Ark" bill proposed in the wake of Hurricane Sandy has been signed into law, permitting owners to transport their pets via public transportation in the event of an evacuation. Might as well start writing the copy for my 82 Adorable Pets Riding The L Train On Their Way To The Eco-Refugee Camp Where You Too Will Enjoy This Uplifting Blog Post Whenever You Finally Get To The Front Of The Bike-Powered Cellphone Charging Line blog post.
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal introduced the bill after hearing from families who refused to flee flood-prone areas during Hurricane Sandy because their pets were unable to travel on public transportation. Currently, animals are only allowed to ride the subway if they can be "enclosed in a container," not that that's stopped the subway snakes from roaming freely—still, big dogs and other large animals have trouble straphanging unless they've got some creative/strong humans.
Now, though, all the Very Good Dogs and Cats can ride the train next time New York's threatened with a devastating flood (and it won't be long, now!) "Pets are like family, and no one should be expected to leave a beloved family member behind to fend for themselves in a natural disaster," Rosenthal said in a statement. "This law will ensure that all New Yorkers - both two- and four-legged - can escape to safety on public transportation."
The law will take effect in 30 days, which'll hopefully be enough time to stave off an earthquake.
