Senator Boyle Honored by The Humane Society

Today, New York State Senator Phil Boyle (R-C-I, Bay Shore) was presented with the ‘2016 Humane Legislator Award’ by The Humane Society of the United States for his important work and efforts to protect and help animals.

In the 2017-2018 New York State Budget, Senator Boyle pushed for the creation of the $5 million Companion Animal Capital Fund – a first-of-its-kind fund to assist humane societies, animal advocacy nonprofits, and municipal shelters in the state with improvements to their infrastructure.

During last year’s session, two of Senator Boyle’s bills became law:

The Research Animal Retirement Act (Chapter 398)

The Research Animal Retirement Act provides a compassionate alternative to animals that are no longer needed for research by creating a pathway to help them become adopted as pets.

This law requires research dogs and cats at publically funded higher education research facilities to put dogs and cats up for adoption through private placement or shelter organizations after their testing is complete. For the last two years, Senator Boyle has led the charge to enact this important animal welfare initiative – among other measures to protect animals - so that these retired dogs and cats have more opportunities to be adopted.

Allowing Veterinarians to Provide Free Spaying and Neutering Services for Continuing Education Requirements (Chapter 398)

This new law allows veterinarians to satisfy a portion of their continued education requirement by performing free spay and neuter services in conjunction with a municipality, SPCA, humane society, or animal protection association. This service would reduce the animal shelter overcrowding that leads to euthanasia as well as the economic burden for municipalities experiencing growing budget shortfalls.

Next week, the New York State Legislature is hosting their 2017 Animal Advocacy Day – which brings together lawmakers, law enforcement, and hundreds of pet owners and advocates to raise awareness of important animal issues. To further protect animals and people from harm and abuse, the Senate will also be passing numerous bills sponsored and co-sponsored by Senator Boyle.