No Obligation to Feed Stray Cats at Condo Complex

December 20, 2015

LVT Number: #26686

Unit owner in a condominium townhouse complex sued the condo in small claims court after it  fined her $650 for feeding feral cats in violation of the condo rules. The court ruled against the unit owner, except to reduce the fine to $250. Unit owner’s sister fed the cats while staying with the owner but had since moved out. The owner claimed that New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law imposed a duty to provide food to stray animals. But the law only made it a potentially criminal offense to abuse or neglect animals.

Unit owner in a condominium townhouse complex sued the condo in small claims court after it  fined her $650 for feeding feral cats in violation of the condo rules. The court ruled against the unit owner, except to reduce the fine to $250. Unit owner’s sister fed the cats while staying with the owner but had since moved out. The owner claimed that New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law imposed a duty to provide food to stray animals. But the law only made it a potentially criminal offense to abuse or neglect animals. The court didn't agree with the owner’s interpretation of the law. There was no duty to feed the cats. 

 

 

 
Lee v. Parkview Estates Condominium: Index No. 590/15, NYLJ No. 1202742340631 (Civ. Ct. Staten Island; 11/16/15; Straniere, J)

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