Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state will now allow people to be buried with the cremated remains of their pet.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law on Monday.
Cemeteries wouldn't have to offer the option, and religious cemeteries would be specifically forbidden from doing so.
Cuomo, a Democrat, says many New Yorkers consider their pets to be a member of the family, and say the previous regulation banning the burial of cremated pet remains with their human companions was "unnecessary."
The proposal is the latest in a series of measures honoring the bond between human and beast in New York. Last year, state lawmakers passed a law allowing dogs on restaurant patios. They also are considering a ban on cat declawing.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.