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Upper West Side Tenants Claiming Discrimination Over New Dog Breed Ban List

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some tenants on the Upper West Side say they're dealing with a case of doggie discrimination.

As 1010 WINS' Al Jones reported, 170 West End Ave. -- one of the Lincoln Towers -- is banning half a dozen breeds, and those of questionable origin will be DNA tested.

Upper West Side Tenants Claiming Discrimination Over New Dog Breed Ban List

As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, resident Ellen Natter said there are 523 dogs at the Lincoln Towers complex.

"We have never had an accident," said Natter, who has lived in the complex for 40 years.

As to the motivation for the board making the rule, Natter said, "They're probably dog haters – period."

One woman said her dog is a mutt, but is part Pomeranian, which is on the ban list.

"On what grounds? 'I don't like his face, I don't like his hair color?' I don't -- what's wrong with Pomeranians?" she said.

Upper West Side Tenants Claiming Discrimination Over New Dog Breed Ban List

It's not unusual for bans to include Pit Bulls, but breeds like Maltese and Shih Tzu don't commonly make the list.

"If a person is moving in with a pet, they should find out if the building allows it first," said Arnie, adding that he understands the ban, just not all the dogs on the list.

"I think they should be more flexible. I think your dog should be allowed until there's a problem," Susanne said. "Each dog is different."

Patricia said her dog is a mix, "a Bichon mother and a King Charles Cavalier father. (Jones: She's not on the list) Not yet. But she barks at big dogs."

The Board of Directors at the apartment building released a statement regarding the decision to DNA test dogs of questionable origin, saying "The board's decision to add DNA testing to the existing pet policy was made with the well-being of all who reside in the building in mind, including registered pets.

"The testing policy may have been misconstrued by some shareholders as a mandate, which is not the case. We understand the significance of pets in people's lives, and will gladly work with residents to answer questions and address concerns they may have to assure them about the purpose and application of the policy," the statement continued.

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