LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim October 2016, as Pit Bull Awareness Month in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of National Pit Bull Awareness
Month

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2016, as Pit Bull
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Pit Bull Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Established in 2011, National Pit Bull Awareness Month brings
together pet owners, shelters, breed clubs, and rescue organizations to
celebrate pit bulls with adoption, education, and responsible ownership
events in communities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Pit bulls have been unfairly stereotyped in recent years as a
vicious breed due to their past use as fighting dogs by unscrupulous
owners; and
WHEREAS, In fact, no dogs, including pit bulls, are born aggressive,
and such behavior is the result of improper upbringing; and
WHEREAS, Pit bulls are a loving, kind breed of dog, which require
proper socialization and training just as any other breed; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, the American Temperament Society published testing
results which gave pit bulls a passing grade in the mid-80% range; in
addition, pit bulls scored better than 119 of 218 breeds for temper-
ament; and
WHEREAS, Recently, a 175-pound pit bull named "Hulk" has become a
media sensation for his gentle demeanor and kind personality; and
WHEREAS, A celebrated canine in American history, pit bulls were
featured on World War I posters used to recruit and support troops; in
addition, numerous public figures, including Presidents Theodore Roose-
velt, Woodrow Wilson, and Jimmy Carter, as well as Helen Keller and Fred
Astaire, have owned them as pets; and
WHEREAS, Today, pit bulls can be found throughout society, and are
valued as service animals, police dogs, and family pets; and
WHEREAS, The popular television show "Pit Bulls and Parolees" has also
shown pit bulls' therapeutic capabilities, matching them with former
inmates on parole and helping them overcome many personal issues; and
WHEREAS, Numerous shelters and organizations throughout the State of
New York have volunteered their efforts to join together in order to
change public perceptions and to combat negative stereotypes about pit
bulls, while promoting responsible ownership and appreciation for this
wonderful breed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2016, as Pit
Bull Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Pit Bull Awareness Month; 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.