In April this year the New York City Housing Authority issued a ban on pit bulls (also identified as Staffordshire terriers), Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers - 'all of these either full breed or mixed breed' - or any full grown dog over 25 lbs. That means almost any dog bigger than a dachshund or corgi. Tenants feared eviction if they kept their dogs. An exception was made for those registered before the policy was implemented on 1 May. But many dog owners weren't notified and learned of the new pet policy from the TV or fliers from community organisations. Some heard nothing at all.

LRB 3 December 2009 | PDF Download