N.Y. Social Services Law § 459-b: Residential services for victims of domestic violence

§ 459-b. Residential services for victims of domestic violence. In

accordance with section one hundred thirty-one-u of this chapter and the

regulations of the office of children and family services, a social

services district shall offer and provide necessary and available

emergency shelter and services for up to ninety days at a residential

program for victims of domestic violence to a victim of domestic

violence who was residing in the social services district at the time of

the alleged domestic violence whether or not such victim is eligible for

public assistance. Two forty-five day extensions of necessary and

available emergency shelter may be granted beyond the maximum length of

stay at a residential program for victims of domestic violence for

residents who continue to be in need of emergency services and temporary

shelter. If the victim of domestic violence has a service animal as such

term is defined in section one hundred twenty-three-b of the agriculture

and markets law, or therapy dog as such term is defined in section one

hundred eight of the agriculture and markets law, respectively, such

service animal or therapy dog shall be allowed to accompany the victim

at the residential program authorized pursuant to this section, so long

as such accompaniment would not create an undue burden as defined by

section two hundred ninety-six of the executive law.

Where such accompaniment would constitute an undue burden, the

residential program shall make reasonable efforts to facilitate

placement of such animal at an off-site animal care facility or if

reasonable efforts fail, provide referral to one or more off-site animal

care facilities. Such off-site animal care may include, but not be

limited to, boarding at a veterinary hospital or under the auspices of a

duly incorporated humane society, or duly incorporated animal protection

association approved for such purpose by the department of agriculture

and markets.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit any rights or

obligations provided pursuant to federal or state law, including but not

limited to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with

disabilities.