From:
Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)
February 14, 2023
IMPORTANT:
Let's keep our major puppy mill victory in NYS going! Please urge
your representatives to co-sponsor these dynamic humane bills; contact info
for NYS legislators below:
✴ Courtroom Animal Advocate Program
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s352
Relates to the creation of a court appointed advocate for animals.
**NOTE: Animals are currently considered 'property' under NYS law
(and most everywhere). Thus their concerns are severely limited; an
advocate specifically for them - just as children have their own advocate -
would be a major boon for animal issues in NYS courts. Connecticut
became the first state to enact this bill; since its enactment Ct has seen
an increase in animal cruelty investigations and prosecutions.
After also passing in Maine, this bill is additionally being considered in
N.J. and Florida.
**ALDF will forward your letters to your representatives:
https://aldf.org/article/new-york-ask-your-legislators-to-protect-animal-cruelty-victims/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=220124+-+NY+CAAP&utm_content=220124+-+NY+CAAP
"would provide animal crime victims with a trained legal advocate whose duty
is to represent the animal’s interests — properly contextualized within
criminal law. Advocates appear in court and assist the judge by drafting
briefs; conducting research; gathering information from veterinarians,
animal control officers, and law enforcement officials; and makin
recommendations on behalf of the animal victim’s interests. "
✴ Birds and Bees Protection Act
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/s1856
Enacts the birds and bees protection act; prohibits the sale of certain
pesticides or use of seeds coated with such pesticides; requires the
department of environmental conservation to review the latest scientific
information concerning certain pesticide active ingredients. **NOTE:
This bill affects the health of all of us. The NYSDEC licenses and
regulates pesticide use in NYS. We previously xposted this short
article on the importance of the bill:
https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/2023/01/19/ny-must-ban-neonic-pesticides/69821334007/
✴ Shelter Animal Protection Act (SARA)
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S7911
Enacts the shelter animal rescue act which requires the release of a shelter
animal to a rescue group upon request of the rescue group prior to the
euthanasia of such animal. **NOTE: The passage of S6870B appears to
create a new justification for killing NYS shelter animals - 'mental
suffering.' This can be a disaster for shy, scared animals, feral cats
etc. Until this bill can possibly be revoked/amended, SARA needs
special attention: Currently some NYS shelters are just killing
homeless animals outright while ignoring and disregarding available rescue
groups.
Find your assembly member:
https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/
Find your senator here:
https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator
Please contact us with any questions you may have.
❤ Thank you as always for your inspired, heartfelt work for our voiceless brethren. Without you the animals have nothing.
~~Animal Defenders of Westchester
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