Senate Resolution No. 5456

BY: Senator TEDISCO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 5, 2018, as Animal Advocacy Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that all living
creatures have value and to recognize and appreciate the service,
companionship, 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5, 2018, as Animal
Advocacy Day in the State of New York; this year marks the 8th Annual
Animal Advocacy Day; and

WHEREAS, Animals are a beloved and cherished member of many of our
families and play a positive role in the lives of so many of New York's
citizens; and

WHEREAS, Pets offer companionship in more than 71 million United
States households, and studies have shown companion animals can provide
a variety of health benefits; and

WHEREAS, Companion animals provide comfort and assistance to seniors
and people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Companion animals play an important role helping police,
fire departments, and search and rescue efforts to keep our citizens
safe; and

WHEREAS, Animal abuse, cruelty and neglect result in unnecessary
pain and suffering to animals; and

WHEREAS, Violence against animals is a bridge crime that can and has
led to violence against people; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, a statewide petition drive was initiated to help
pass the landmark Buster's Law which created the felony category of
"aggravated cruelty to animals," punishable by up to two years in prison
and a $5,000 fine; prior to this bill becoming law, animal cruelty
resulted in only misdemeanor penalties, if any charges were imposed at
all; 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, Previous Animal Advocacy Day events promoted the importance
of increased penalties against the viewing of animal fighting and
criminalizing materials and paraphernalia used to train animals for
fighting, and advocating its passage into law; and

WHEREAS, On June 5, 2018, New York animal advocates, supporters, pet
owners, and citizens come together to support, protect, and acknowledge
all animals' positive contribution to society and the family of New
York; and

WHEREAS, The 8th Annual Animal Advocacy Day Speakers are: Mary Kate
Tischler, Steve Caporizzo, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, Fulton
County District Attorney Chad Brown, Denise Krohn, and Victoria
Bonavita; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Exhibitors participating in the 8th Annual
Animal Advocacy Day include: Mercy for Animals, Furballs Rescue,
Schenectady SPCA/ASPCA, Daily Gazette, Gloversville Cat Sanctuary,
Saratoga Springs Police Department K-9 Unit, Whiskers Animal Benevolent
League, Orange Street Cats, Urban Resource Institute (URI), Whispering
Willow Wild Care, Regional Animal Shelter, Canine Companion for
Independence, Kitten Angels, Schenectady County CAC/DA's Office, Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS), Living Resources - Sea Biscuit,
Northland New Finland Club, Spaying Capital Region Unowned Feral Felines
(SCRUFF), Albany Kennel Club, Unchartered Wild, Out of the Pits, Albany
Obedience Club, Unbridled Thoroughbred, Albany County District
Attorney's Animal Abuse Taskforce, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society,
Homeward Bound, Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, New York State
Humane Association (NYSHA), Equine Advocates, Little Brook Farm - with
Fritz, CART-(Garry Horne), Capital Region Parrot Society, Animal
Protective Foundation (APF), Saratoga County Shelter, Hudson the Rail
Road Puppy, Victoria Bonavita, Rottie Empire Rescue, Animal Support
Project, Therapy Dogs International Schenectady Chapter No. 74, Empire
State Humane Voters, Well Spring, Cornell, Northeast Pyr Rescue, Upstate
Underdog Rescue, Associated Dog Clubs of New York State, Northeast Avian
Rescue, Peppertree, Operation at Ease, Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group,
Dutchess County SPCA, Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, Irish Terrier
Club of New York, Rensselaer County Humane Society, and Voters For
Animal Rights; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5, 2018, as Animal
Advocacy Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York, and the aforementioned Speakers and Exhibitors.