LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2016 as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that all living crea-
tures have value and to recognize and appreciate the service, companion-
ship, loyalty, unconditional love and happiness animals bring to the
lives of New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2016 as Pet Rescue
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, There are approximately 13,600 independent community animal
shelters nationwide, and there is no national organization monitoring
these shelters; currently, no government institution or animal organiza-
tion is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal
protection movement; and
WHEREAS, More than seven million companion animals enter animal shel-
ters nationwide every year, of which 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4
million are cats; most of these animals are given up by their owners or
found by Animal Control on the streets; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year
because shelters are too full and there are not enough adoptive homes;
and
WHEREAS, Each year, 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are euthan-
ized, while 2.7 million of these shelter animals are adopted; and
WHEREAS, Only about 649,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are
returned to their owners; of those, 542,000 are dogs and 100,000 are
cats; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, only one out of every 10 dogs born will
find a permanent home; in addition, homeless animals outnumber homeless
people five to one; and
WHEREAS, Of the dogs entering shelters, 35 percent are adopted, 31
percent are euthanized and 26 percent of dogs who came in as strays are
returned to their owner; furthermore, of the cats entering shelters, 37
percent are adopted, 41 percent are euthanized, and less than five
percent of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners; and
WHEREAS, It is vital that we encourage empathy and compassion for our
companion animals, and that we provide a voice for those who cannot
speak for themselves; and
WHEREAS, Throughout New York State in the month of October, animal
advocates, supporters, pet owners, and citizens come together to
protect, and acknowledge all animals' positive contribution to society;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2016 as Pet
Rescue Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.