Bronx Apartment Complex in Doghouse Over Strict No-Pet Rule

Co-op City has a strict no-dog policy, but federal law requires housing providers to make accommodations for disabled residents

A sprawling housing complex in the Bronx has been fined $85,000 for not allowing residents to keep emotional-support dogs.

The company that manages Co-op City was fined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for denying two clinically depressed residents their pets.

"They told me I had to get rid of my dog or I was going to be evicted," Kisha Maddox, one of the residents, told NBC 4 New York. "There was no options there. I couldn't get rid of my heart."

Co-op City has a strict no-dog policy, but federal law requires housing providers to make accommodations for disabled residents.

Maddox fell into a deep depression after her sister died, and her doctor suggested she get a dog for emotion support.

"It brought life back," Maddox said of acquiring her Maltese JoeJoe. "I go outside, I feel the need to get up and do things. When I come home, he's happy to see me. There's someone here that enjoys my company as much as I enjoy his company."

A HUD official agreed, saying that emotional-support pets are no different from service dogs for blind people.

"Victory was definitely won for me and JoeJoe," said Maddox.

A lawyer for the management company says the firm adopted a new policy in December that has led to more accommodation requests being granted.

That's also good news for Figgy Newton, a Chihuahua-whippet mix. Now both Figgy Newton and JoeJoe can sit and stay.

Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us