Declare Pit Bull Awareness Month

Assembly Resolution No. 1324 BY: M. of A. Rules (Zebrowski) MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2018, 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 memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 2018, as Pit Bull Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance 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 temperament; 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 Roosevelt, 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 2018, 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 transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.