Assembly Resolution No. 2031

BY: M. of A. Tague

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 30, 2024, as Therapy Animal Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to appreciate the service,
companionship, loyalty, and medical benefits therapeutic animals bring
to the lives of citizens of New York State; 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, 2024, as Therapy
Animal Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National Therapy Animal Day; and

WHEREAS, National Therapy Animal Day was created by Pet Partners to
recognize all of the exceptional therapy animals who partner with their
human companions to bring comfort and healing to those in need; and

WHEREAS, Therapy animals and their handlers can be found helping
people of all ages in a variety of settings including hospitals,
pediatric care units, schools, nursing homes and assisted living
facilities; and

WHEREAS, With a goal to recognize and honor therapy animals,
National Therapy Animal Day also raises awareness and educates the
public about the role therapy animals play in enhancing the health and
well-being of humans; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital commemoration honors the thousands
of dedicated handlers who volunteer their time and compassion during
visits; and

WHEREAS, The primary purpose of therapy animals is to provide
affection and comfort; these kind and compassionate animals are most
often privately owned and tend to visit facilities on a regular basis;
and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to helping people with a wide variety of
problems, therapy animals can be classified into three different types:
Therapeutic Visitation Animals are household pets whose owners bring
them to care facilities; Animal Assisted Therapy Animals assist physical
and occupational therapists at rehabilitation centers; and Facility
Therapy Animals primarily work in nursing homes for the purpose of
helping patients with Alzheimer's disease and mental illness; and

WHEREAS, Visits by therapy animals in an outpatient setting can
provide many patients with significant reductions in pain and emotional
distress; these visits have also been proven to give family members and
friends of patients a sense of comfort and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, therapy animals have helped numerous wartime
veterans in making the difficult transition from bravely serving in our
military to returning to life in the civilian world; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
extraordinary therapy animals and their handlers who demonstrate
tremendous care and compassion by bringing comfort and healing to those
in need; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 30, 2024, as Therapy
Animal Day 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.