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A Brooklyn pet store owner is ditching New York City and closing up shop because quality of life in the Big Apple has gone to the dogs.
“It’s time to go because the crime is horrible, the filth is outrageous, the e-bikes and all these Vespas running the sidewalks — it’s just out of control,” Laura Generoso, owner of Wagging Tails in Bay Ridge, told The Post.
“There’s no law and order.”
Generoso posted a sign on the front door of her store and on social media this week, explaining that it was not a financial decision leading her to shut down — she claims 300 to 400 clients and has been in the business since 2006.
Instead, the closure is propelled by “the failure of our politicians and [their] failing policies destroying our city and neighborhood,” the sign said.
Last year, a frightening armed robbery outside spilled into her store and made her fear for her safety.
“I never thought I was gonna leave,” she said.
“I have wonderful clients and I love what I do. But it’s not worth getting shot or killed.”
The Bay Ridge native moved the pet supplies and grooming shop she runs with her husband, Frank, to its 4th Avenue location in 2018.
Now, she’s headed to Boca Raton, Florida, once she closes on Aug. 21.
Loyal customers say she will be missed.
“I’ll definitely miss them,” said Mike Ricupero, a customer of Generoso’s for 14 years.
He would travel from Staten Island to have his dog groomed at the shop.
“They’re like part of my family,” Ricupero said of the Generosos. “I became so friendly with them that they came to my wedding.”
Customer Lana C. praised the good care Wagging Tails provided her pooch over the last five years.
“This place was very popular,” she said.
“People who have dogs in this neighborhood are very upset that they will close.”
Brooklyn Councilman Ari Kagan posted Generoso’s sign to Twitter and blamed progressive policies for pushing out small businesses and area Councilman Justin Brannan for supporting them.
“His voting record proves he puts criminals over law abiding, hard-working citizens – in addition to the over taxation & over regulation of small businesses,” Kagan posted.
The two are running for the newly redrawn 47th Council district.
Brannan’s office noted that the councilman is a former small business owner in Bay Ridge in an emailed statement, and said he understands the challenges owners face.
“While it’s sad to see a local small business close, there are new businesses opening up in Bay Ridge all the time — especially lately — and we welcome them all.”
The state elected officials in the area did not immediately return a request for comment.
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