PROMOTING ANIMAL WELFARE IN NEW YORK

A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)

As many of you know, animal welfare is something that many people across our state, including me, take very seriously. Our treatment of the animals we live and work with is a serious responsibility that demands immediate attention. Unfortunately, throughout history, abuse has been a tragic part of the relationship between humans and animals. With Animal Welfare Day on October 4th, I want to share some of the urgent steps I’ve been taking to ensure better care for animals in our state. The time to act is now. One of the key proposals I’ve been involved in is the establishment of an animal abuse hotline. This hotline, which would operate 24/7, is a crucial step in empowering New Yorkers, including you, to report issues to the relevant authorities. Your support and advocacy for this hotline can significantly reduce instances of animal abuse, and I believe it’s a solution we should all get behind. Another area I’m advocating for is the need for clearer guidelines for dog owners. It’s disheartening to see dogs left out in storms, exposed and unable to seek shelter because of the way they have been tied up by their owners. We need to implement clearer rules that can greatly improve the compassion we show our animals, and I am eager to work towards making this a law. Additionally, I have thrown my support behind legislation that aims to increase penalties for cruelty, neglect, and abandonment of companion animals. Caring for an animal is akin to raising a child in many ways, and owners are responsible for ensuring their pets are properly cared for. Harsher punishment for those who neglect this duty is necessary. Our community would be better off if those who take in animals do so with love, and if they can no longer care for them, they should surrender the animals to a safe and secure facility rather than abandon them. These are just a few proposed solutions to address our state’s ongoing problems of animal abuse and neglect. While they may not solve every issue, they are essential starting points. As the renowned conservationist Daphne Sheldrick once said, “It’s not enough to love animals; we must actively protect and preserve them. It’s our duty and responsibility as custodians of this planet.” I wholeheartedly agree. We can and should do better for our animals and our companions on this planet. We must do everything we can to protect and care for them. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com.