Declare Animal Advocacy Day

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.