Andrew Cuomo

New York’s most politically powerful pets

Politicians with pets.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo with his dog Captain.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo with his dog Captain. Mike Groll / Office of the Governor

It’s good to be a pet in New York.

While it’s still illegal in over 20 states for sick people to access medical marijuana, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin is fighting for canine and kitty cannabis. And in an age when paying customers get dragged, bruised and bloodied, from airline flights, state Sen. Marisol Alcantara has championed a Pet Passenger Bill of Rights.

Even ownerless animals can rock New York’s political world. One upstate mayoral contest was recently upended by furious animal lovers after local cops ran over a rabid raccoon.

So if you’re a four-legged friend, jump in the car, stick your head out the window and come to the Empire State. Our politicians have your back.

View our political pet slideshow below.