"State Sen. Tony Avella submitted a bill Monday that would force the city to pick up raccoons at the request of the public. The city now only picks up raccoons that are considered dangerous, sick or hurt. The bills submitted by Avella and Crowley also provide for humane relocation whenever possible. Because of rabies fears and logistics, many trapped raccoons are euthanized instead of released." More on the legislation in "Raccoon round up: lawmakers propose city pick up critters in new bill" in the Daily News.
More about raccoons on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website. "Raccoons are among the most widespread mammals in New York State. Raccoon rabies reached New York in 1990 and has become widespread."