K 623: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 623 BY: M. of A. DeStefano MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pet Rescue Awareness Month 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, There are approximately 13,600 independent community animal shelters nationwide, and there is no national organization monitoring these shelters; currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement; and WHEREAS, More than seven million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, of which 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats; most of these animals are given up by their owners or found by Animal Control on the streets; and WHEREAS, Approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there are not enough adoptive homes; and WHEREAS, Each year, 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are euthanized, while 2.7 million of these shelter animals are adopted; and WHEREAS, Only about 649,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners; of those, 542,000 are dogs and 100,000 are cats; and WHEREAS, In the United States, only one out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home; in addition, homeless animals outnumber homeless people five to one; and WHEREAS, Of the dogs entering shelters, 35 percent are adopted, 31 percent are euthanized and 26 percent of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner; furthermore, of the cats entering shelters, 37 percent are adopted, 41 percent are euthanized, and less than five percent of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners; 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, Throughout New York State in the month of October, animal advocates, supporters, pet owners, and citizens come together to protect, and acknowledge all animals' positive contribution to society; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.