NYC could allow paid sick leave for pet care

Love at first sight with a pet: study

Forget love at first sight with your significant other. What about that feeling when you first lock eyes with your pet? As FOX 5 NY’s Jessica Formoso shows us a new study reveals we may have a bigger first bond with pets than people.

NEW YORK - A new bill introduced to the New York City Council would expand the city's paid sick leave law to include caring for certain animals and pets.

The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Shaun Abreu, a Democrat representing Manhattan's 7th District, would amend the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act to let employees use sick time for pet-related medical care. This would include any situation where the pet needs medical diagnosis, treatment for a physical illness or injury, or preventive care.

Under current law, workers can use sick days for their own health needs, to care for a sick family member, or in case of a public health emergency.

New fines proposed for abandoned pets

The New York City Parks Department has unveiled some new proposals that would punish people for ditching their animals at the city's public parks.

For pet owners, animals are often considered part of the family. It's believed that interacting with pets can reduce stress levels, along with blood pressure, which may be the cause of the benefits to memory.

If approved, the bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law.

New York Pets and Animals Viral