Senate Resolution No. 1864

BY: Senator ROLISON

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2026, as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, Millions of pets across New York and throughout the United
States are abused, abandoned and neglected; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to appreciate the companionship,
love, loyalty, and myriad benefits that pets and animals bring to the
lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as Pet Cruelty
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Animal Cruelty Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, In observance of April as Animal Cruelty Awareness Month,
animal-control officers are reminding residents of what constitutes
animal cruelty; and

WHEREAS, Animal cruelty is defined as the infliction of
unjustifiable pain, suffering, or death upon an animal, either through
intentional abuse (commission) or neglect (omission); it includes
physical violence, starvation, abandonment, chronic tethering, lack of
proper shelter, and organized fighting; and

WHEREAS, In addition, these officers are encouraging neighbors,
family members and all residents of the State of New York to learn the
signs of cruelty to animals and to report these incidents to police; and

WHEREAS, Helpless animals depend on humans to intervene when their
conditions are uninhabitable or unfit; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) urges supporters across the country to "Go
Orange for Animals" throughout the month of April since the ASPCA's
charter was signed in 1866 to raise awareness for its cause; and

WHEREAS, Together we can improve the lives of animals in every
corner of New York State; Go Orange! Glow Orange! Show Orange for
Animals!; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, state, and national levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as Pet Cruelty
Awareness Month in the State of New York,

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.