LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Mohawk
Hudson Humane Society to be celebrated April 21, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those individuals and organizations 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 commem-
orate the 125th Anniversary of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society to be
celebrated at a Gala on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Hilton Garden
Inn, Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, A non-profit animal shelter located in Menands, New York, the
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS) has been providing shelter, food,
care and a lot of TLC, as well as medical attention, if needed, to cats
and dogs in the Capital Region community for 125 years; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1887 as the Albany Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Children, it merged with the Albany Chapter of The American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1893 to become the
Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society; and
WHEREAS, In 1913, MHHS built the region's first animal shelter; it
grew to be the parent organization for animal and child protection agen-
cies in 12 counties; and
WHEREAS, MHHS cared for children until 1957; that same year, this
illustrious organization built New York State's second non-profit animal
hospital; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Executive Director Brad
Shear, MHHS sponsors various community education and outreach programs
throughout the year; its field services include rescue and care of
injured or distressed animals, investigation of reports of animal abuse
and neglect, and enforcement of Agriculture and Markets laws; and
WHEREAS, In addition to its on-site and field personnel, MHHS is
assisted by a team of volunteers who help to support and maintain the
health of animals residing at the shelter and participate in various
fundraising and community activities; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, these volunteers gave 25,116 hours of their time and
energy to support MHHS's programs; they also collected and sorted over
900,000 bottles and cans, raising a significant amount for the Society;
and
WHEREAS, The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society's animal care facility is
the largest in the Capital Region, receiving an average of over 6,000
animals per year; and
WHEREAS, MHHS receives not just common household pets like cats, dogs,
rabbits and hamsters, but also snakes, birds, iguanas, fish, horses,
livestock, and even llamas; and
WHEREAS, The primary goal of MHHS is to improve the lives of homeless
and abused animals through sheltering, adoption, education and advocacy,
as well as the prevention of animal cruelty; and
WHEREAS, MHHS was the first animal organization to respond to the
Villages of Schoharie and Middleburgh after being devastated by Hurri-
cane Irene; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when organ-
izations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society to
be celebrated April 21, 2012; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brad Shear, Executive Director, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.