NYS Candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman Backs Pilot Program to Allow Dogs in Suitable Parks and Non-Bathing Beaches
Gov. Hochul’s Campaign Does Not Respond to LI-DOG’s Request for Statements on Access to NYS Parks and Beaches
On Sept. 10th, 2026, LI-DOG asked the two candidates for New York Governor for a statement on their position on access to New York State parks and beaches by dog owners and their dogs.
In 2021, LI-DOG started a petition to then-Governor Cuomo to lift the ban on dogs on NYS non-bathing beaches. More than 7,700 New Yorkers eagerly signed that petition. In 2023 and 2024, LI-DOG worked with NYS Sen. Monica Martinez and NYS Assemblyman Steven Stern on legislation to allow dogs in all NYS parks including beaches with reasonable restrictions. The legislation passed the New York State legislature overwhelmingly (142-3 in the Assembly; 60-1 in the State Senate) in June 2024. In December 2024, however, Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed the legislation.
As we noted in our September 10th letter to the candidates, people are frustrated that legislation that had overwhelming bipartisan support was blocked. In addition, the Long Island Region of the NYS Office of Parks has been unwilling to meet with either the legislation’s sponsors or LI-DOG to discuss access to any beaches that could be candidates for a successful pilot program.
Additionally, in this letter we told the candidates that we and our supporters want to know:
- Do you support directing the Long Island Regional Office of Parks to work with elected officials and LI-DOG to launch a pilot program for access to non-bathing beaches during the off-season?
- Would you at this time support legislation to allow dogs in all NYS parks with reasonable, common-sense restrictions designed to protect wildlife areas and the enjoyment of parks by all New York State visitors?
The candidates were asked to respond with their position by Oct. 10th. We also said we would publish their responses, including the absence of a response, on our website, Facebook and other social media.
We received the following statement from Candidate for Governor and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman:
Dear [LI-DOG],
Thank you for reaching out and for the work LI-DOG has done on behalf of dog owners across Long Island and New York State.
As a lifelong dog lover, this is an issue that is especially close to my heart. I support both of the initiatives you outlined.
As Governor, I will direct State Parks to work with local elected officials and organizations such as LI-DOG to establish a pilot program for dog access at suitable parks and non-bathing beaches. [Bold added by LI-DOG.] Regional offices will be required to identify locations, set clear rules for leashing, waste disposal, wildlife protection, and public safety, and report the results directly to me.
I also support legislation to expand dog access in New York State parks with reasonable restrictions that protect sensitive habitats, public safety, and the enjoyment of other visitors. [Bold added by LI-DOG.] I would work with legislators, park officials, and groups such as LI-DOG on the details. You have my word!
Thank you again for reaching out and for advocating so passionately on behalf of New York’s dog owners. I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Bruce
Bruce Blakeman
Candidate and Current NYS Governor Kathy Hochul Did Not Respond
LI-DOG made several attempts to ensure that the campaign for Gov. Hochul was aware of our request for a statement on reasonable access to NYS parks and beaches. LI-DOG did not receive a response or statement from the Hochul campaign.