Is it legal to stand in NYC with 4 pets on a cold day asking for money, using your pets as bait?

Question

I was just walking on 44th and 6th ave, and there is a man asking for money with 2 cats and 2 dogs! These animals look like they are in good shape, and 3 out of 4 of them had a sweater on, but they were still cold! There was even a dog without anything on! Is it legal for this man to be using these animals as bait?

I had some coins in my pocket from Canada, and I told him these are Canadian coins is that ok? and he said yes.. a few minutes later, i walked by again, and I saw him picking coins out of the bucket and throwing them in the street! I was so angry. I walked by and said "did someone throw fake coins in or something?" and he goes "no someone threw in foreign coins!". i said it was me, and i thought he said it was ok..so he said "oh thanks anyway i appreciate it". i asked him what the money was for and he sort of mumbled something I didn't completely hear.

Anyway, I got a very bad impression from this man and think this is disgusting.

it wasn't freezing, but the animals were shivering..one dog had nothing on him.

Answer 1

You were thinking with your heart when you gave this man money. But in general, it is not a good idea to give money to people begging. There are agencies that will help homeless or disadvantage people and their pets.

You can probably still call the police or the humane law enforcement officers that take care of NYC. At least they can check him and his pets and offer ways to get him assistance without begging.

You are right, it is disgusting to use his pets to prey on the sympathy of strangers instead of helping himself.

Answer 2

I live in upstate NY and it is colder here than in the city, and it is not that cold out. It is far from freezing!!!!!!

Maybe the guy is mentally impaired. Maybe he does what he can to provide for the animals. Who knows. I cannot imagine that someone would stand outside with dogs and cats begging for money if they had other options.

I think pan-handling might be illegal, but probably not very enforced.

Answer 3

actual, oh so actual lol. We exceptionally like the 11 factors approximately why cats and dogs are extra helpful than childrens....The final element, sort 4, on the message to non-puppy vendors looks like Stef's b/f aside from the walking on all fours area! he isn't very tall (Stef's only 5ft3" so as that doesn't remember), he mumbles lots of the time and we won't understand him (Stef interprets), and he's making an attempt to boost a beard on the 2d yet is looking extra like Catweazle each and every time we see him lol.

Answer 4

Why in the world does a dog need a sweater is the bigger question.

Answer 5

Panhandling is illegal in most cities. I'm guessing it's not actually illegal to have the pets with him, but asking for money is.

Answer 6

Poor dogs!!!

Answer 7

yes.