Addabbo Backs Package of Animal Welfare Bills as Advocates Visit State Legislators

Howard Beach, NY (June 2, 2016) As animal welfare advocates recently converged on the State Capitol in Albany for two days to boost a variety of legislative proposals aimed at providing better lives for cats, dogs and other animals in New York State, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. reaffirmed his support for legislation to encourage the ban of declawing animals, improve enforcement of animal cruelty laws and curb dog breed discrimination in housing policies.  

“I appreciated speaking with a number of constituents who came to Albany from Middle Village, Glendale and other areas to fight for the rights of animals to be safe, loved and free from cruelty,” said Addabbo, a cosponsor of three proposals. “Our cats, dogs and other companion animals become loving members of our families and deserve that same kind of respect. Unless you count barking, meowing, chirping and other unique creature communication methods, our animals don’t have real voices of their own to stand up for themselves and they depend on us to speak up on their behalf.”

Christina Gdisis, a Middle Village resident who volunteers as a District Leader for The Humane Society of the United States, was one 15th Senate District constituent who visited Addabbo to urge his support for animal welfare proposals. 

“I applaud Senator Addabbo for supporting bills that make such a big impact on the animals and people of our state,” said Gdisis. “The Humane Society of the United States provides me with opportunities to make important connections with legislators who make progressive changes for the welfare of animals. I’m happy Senator Addabbo and I can work together on these bills in our community”

Brian Shapiro, New York State Director for The Humane Society of the United States, organized other district advocates to meet with Addabbo to express their appreciation for his leadership.

“The most effective way to promote animal protection legislation is to contact or visit your own state legislators,” said Shapiro. “The HSUS is so pleased to have the enthusiastic support of Senator Addabbo on these important bills.”

The three animal welfare and protection bills highlighted during The Humane Society of the United States lobby day in Albany that Addabbo is co-sponsoring are as follows:

S.5084 would prohibit the declawing of cats or other animals in New York State, unless deemed medically necessary. The inhumane practice of declawing involves multiple amputations of the last bone of the cat’s digits. This ban would prevent negative health and behavior effects that could harm the animal, as well as decrease the number of animals surrendered to local shelters. 

S. 3201 would improve enforcement of animal cruelty by placing animal crimes under the penal code, which would provide greater accessibility of these statutes for law enforcement personnel, rather than keeping it under the state’s Agricultural and Markets law. This legislation would provide our police, judges and prosecutors with the tools they need to uphold laws that protect animals.

S.5944 would prohibit housing policies that discriminate against specific dog breeds. This proposal would help to ensure that responsible dog owners are not forced to choose between obtaining housing for their families and abandoning their beloved pets. 

“As the 2016 Senate and Assembly session continues, I look forward to continuing my work with like-minded constituents and my legislative colleagues to ensure greater protections and happier lives for animals in New York State,” said Addabbo. “We are the only voices and protectors they have.”

Individuals wishing to join the efforts of protecting animals are encouraged to contact Christina Gdisis at christinagdisis@gmail.com.