Senate Resolution No. 3135

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 110th Anniversary of the
Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations and individuals who would faithfully
dedicate themselves to the care and protection of animals; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of
Oneida County; in addition, the Society will be hosting its 10th Annual
Furball "Adoption Olympics"; and

WHEREAS, The Stevens-Swan Humane has a rich and diverse background;
in the early 1900s it was the work of two separate men from Rome, New
York, who started working in the area of animal welfare: Gustavus Swan
and James N. Stevens; and

WHEREAS, On May 24, 1910, it became a law, with the approval of the
Governor, that both organizations were incorporated; Swan and Stevens,
both involved in animal and child welfare, combined The Utica Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children of Rome, New York, and The
Stevens Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Rome, New
York, and incorporated them to form the present day Stevens-Swan Humane
Society; and

WHEREAS, The actual offices were in private homes until the 1930s
and the agency was run entirely on volunteer efforts; and

WHEREAS, In 1949, the first animal shelter was purchased; throughout
the 1900s, Annual Meetings of the Society were held just like today;
from past records of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, the burden of
unwanted, abused, homeless and injured animals was just as much a
problem then as it is now; and

WHEREAS, The present-day Stevens-Swan Humane Society evolved from a
combination of efforts of hundreds of people before them; taking care of
animals who are surrendered, lost or unwanted is a large task, and the
burden is overwhelming; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, trends in animal welfare have changed
and this vital organization has evolved to become a shelter with a "No
Kill" mission; and

WHEREAS, The Stevens-Swan Humane Society has always relied on
contributions from the community in the form of bequests, estates,
day-to-day donations, membership drives and annual fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 110-year history, the Stevens-Swan
Humane Society serving Oneida County has demonstrated continuous service
to the residents and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Stevens-Swan Humane
Society; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of
Oneida County; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County.