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.