Animal Welfare Group Demands Sprinklers for Pet Stores

The fire that killed dozens of animals and destroyed a Bronx pet shop this past week may have been prevented if a mandatory sprinkler system had been in place.  But a bill that would require the sprinkler systems, which has the support of more than forty City Council members, has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. The bill in question, intro 417, sponsored by Manhattan Councilman Alan Gerson, has been languishing ever since its introduction in 1998.  Speaker Christine Quinn reportedly is opposed to the bill, believing a sprinkler requirement would negatively impact business.  

League of Humane Voters of NYC executive director John Philips says installing the sprinkler system should be a cost of doing business and is calling on city council to hold a hearing.