A Long Island co-op violated the Fair Housing Act when it barred a woman from keeping a pet miniature schnauzer in her apartment, the U.S. attorney's office claims in a civil rights lawsuit.
A complaint says Woodbury Gardens Redevelopment should have granted the woman's request to keep the dog.
The suit alleges the family of Sandra Biegel provided medical documentation that she needed the animal to cope with her disabilities
The 74-year-old resident died in 2007 — one month after getting rid of the dog.
She suffered from respiratory problems, depression, anxiety, cirrhosis, diabetes and decreased vision and hearing.
Woodbury's attorney, Marc Schneider, said the co-op disputes the allegations, but "will not litigate in the media."
Copyright AP - Associated Press
