Honor Animal Rights Advocate

June 5, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those kind and compassionate individuals who would faithfully dedicate themselves to the care and protection of animals; Julie A, Tanner is one such individual; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Julie A. Tanner for her many years of service as a tireless advocate working to combat animal cruelty, in conjunction with the observance of Animal Advocacy Day in the State of New York on June 5, 2018; and WHEREAS, Julie A. Tanner truly believes all living creatures have value and their service, companionship, loyalty, unconditional love and happiness should be recognized and appreciated by all; and WHEREAS, Julie A. Tanner, who lives in Niskayuna with her son, Thom, and her treasured cats, has dedicated her adult life to helping animals, and has indeed made a positive impact; and WHEREAS, One of her achievements was the creation of "Julie's List" in which she compiles news stories of animal cruelty in New York State and emails them to subscribers; and WHEREAS, Julie A. Tanner has been actively involved with Animal Advocacy Day (AAD) since its inception; through her efforts with members of the New York State Legislature, along with Steve Caporizzo, Donna Farnsworth and Valerie Lang Waldin, AAD provides animal protection groups and individuals the opportunity to advocate for humane legislation; and WHEREAS, Julie A. Tanner helps to maintain the AAD Facebook page; she also gathered hundreds of signatures to help pass Busters Law in

1999, which makes acts of heinous animal cruelty a felony; and WHEREAS, This valiant fighter for animals does not restrict herself to quiet advocacy, she also engages in courageous hands-on involvement, confronting people she sees physically abusing animals; and WHEREAS, In recognition of her staunch activism, Julie A. Tanner has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades from organizations such as NYSHA, the Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society, and Whiskers; and WHEREAS, In addition to her animal work, Julie A. Tanner worked as a teaching assistant for special education children in the Schenectady school system for many years; when students told her about domestic violence that often included animals, she conveyed that information to the proper authorities, since she knew both the animal and family members were in jeopardy; and WHEREAS, Julie A. Tanner used every opportunity to raise awareness among teachers and administrators about the connection between animal abuse and human violence; and WHEREAS, This strong and devoted individual has overcome a tremendous amount of challenges and obstacles in her life but has always maintained a positive attitude and tremendous spirit and dedication toward helping others and making her community and the State of New York a better place; and WHEREAS, With increased public awareness, education, team work and tougher laws, Julie A. Tanner is certain the goal of preventing animal cruelty and neglect can be accomplished; 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Julie A. Tanner for her many years of service as a tireless advocate working to combat animal cruelty, in conjunction with the observance of Animal Advocacy Day in the State of New York on June 5,