Bill Text: NY J01921 | 2025-2026 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 30, 2026, as Animal Advocacy Day in the State of New York

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2026-04-17 - REFERRED TO FINANCE [J01921 Detail]

Download: New_York-2025-J01921-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 1921

BY: Senator TEDISCO

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        April 30, 2026, as Animal Advocacy Day in the  State
        of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the sense of this Legislative Body to believe 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 30, 2026, as  Animal
Advocacy  Day  in  the  State  of  New York in conjunction with National
Animal Advocacy Day; and

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

  WHEREAS, Pets offer companionship in more  than  71  million  United
States  households,  and  studies  have shown that 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,  To  that  end,  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
in New York State, 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 provide a voice for those who cannot speak for
themselves; and

  WHEREAS,  Organizations,  such  as  Best  Friends  Animal   Society,
American  Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Humane World
for  Animals,  and  the  Animal  Welfare  Institute,  have  all   worked
tirelessly for the well-being of animals; and

  WHEREAS,  National  Animal  Advocacy  Day, often recognized on April
30th alongside Animal Cruelty Prevention  Month  in  April,  stems  from
long-term efforts by these organizations to promote stronger humane laws
and protect animal welfare, serving as a day to encourage public action,
lobbying  for  animal  rights,  and  recognizing  the  need  for  better
protection against cruelty; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 30, 2026, as Animal
Advocacy Day in the State of  New  York  in  conjunction  with  National
Animal Advocacy Day; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York,  and  leading  animal  advocacy  organizations throughout New York
State.