Assembly Resolution No. 547

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 115th Anniversary of Anita
Stevens-Swans Humane Society

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
and pay tribute to the organizations who are committed to faithfully
serving the welfare of their community and the citizens of the Great
State of New York, doing so with high purpose and worthy accomplishment;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to commemorate
the 115th Anniversary of Anita Stevens-Swans Humane Society for its
dedicated service to the welfare of the community and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, In 1910, Gustavus Swan and James Stevens-both advocates for
animal and child welfare-merged their respective agencies to form the
Stevens-Swan Humane Society, with the mission of ensuring the care and
protection of at-risk animals, saving lives, providing a safe haven, and
ultimately helping them find their "furever" homes; and

WHEREAS, The team is dedicated to taking care of at-risk animals who
have been neglected, abandoned, or unwanted in Oneida County and helping
them find their "furever" homes; they ensure that every animal that
walks through their doors is provided with a stable and safe environment
to live in until they find their lifelong home; and

WHEREAS, In 1949, the Society acquired its first animal shelter, and
throughout the 20th century-and continuing to this day-annual meetings
have been held; the challenge of caring for unwanted, abused, homeless,
and injured animals remains as urgent today as it was then; and

WHEREAS, The present day Anita Stevens-Swan Humane Society evolved
from the efforts of hundreds of people helping and taking care of
at-risk animals that have been surrendered, lost, or are unwanted; this
is a large task, the burden is overwhelming, and has not been an easy
voyage; and

WHEREAS, Anita Stevens-Swan Humane Society is committed to all
animals through the prevention of cruelty, abuse, and neglect; because
of their animal adoption center and the humane society donations, they
have warm blankets, clean bedrooms, and food; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, trends in animal welfare have changed
and with these changes came tremendous financial obligations, the animal
shelter is grateful for those who donate to this amazing organization;
and

WHEREAS, The success of Anita Stevens-Swan Humane Society over the
years is a result of a combination of efforts of hundreds of people
taking care of animals that are surrendered, lost or unwanted,
neglected, or abandoned in Oneida County; and

WHEREAS, Anita Stevens-Swans Human Society rescues, rehabilitates,
and re-homes thousands of animals a year; their commitment is to
alleviate animal suffering by providing shelter, promoting the human
animal bond through adoption, and reducing the companion animal
population with spay/ neuter services; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such exemplary work and accomplishments
are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized
by all citizens of the great, Empire State of New York; now, therefore,
be it,

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 115th Anniversary of Anita Stevens-Swans Humane Society,
and to honor all the animals who came to the shelter abandoned and
unwanted who have found their "furever" home; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Anita Stevens-Swans Humane Society.