Assembly Resolution No. 601

BY: M. of A. DeStefano

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 2023, 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 2023, 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 2023, 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.