Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27), a New York Assembly Committee will consider a bill providing assistance to domestic violence victims, those experiencing homelessness, and their pets.
New York residents are strongly encouraged to contact the Assembly Social Services Committee today to express your support for Assembly Bill 8375 (Scroll down for contact information).
Summary:
Numerous studies have shown that domestic violence victims often stay in dangerous situations out of concern for their beloved pets. In addition, there are many people experiencing homelessness who are seeking shelter for themselves and their pets. It is these heartbreaking situations that Assembly Bill 8375 seeks to address.
A. 8375 would develop a “co-shelter toolkit” (meaning shelters that allow both victims and their pets) to “reduce existing sheltered housing barriers for victims of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness with companion animals.”
The toolkit, developed by state agencies, would include a number of important resources, information and tools for domestic violence and homeless shelters including building coalitions and partnerships with veterinarians, law enforcement, animal welfare organizations, and others who can assist shelters in housing victims and their pets. It would also include ideas for “low barrier pet- inclusive policies, housing design, and animal health and supply needs.”
It would also include training for shelter workers on animal hygiene and behavior and applicable animal cruelty laws, as well as information on current successful co-shelters and prospective grant opportunities.
For years, the AKC has been proud to provide grants to domestic violence shelters so they can better care for victims and their pets. For more information on this program, including how to contribute, visit https://akchumanefund.org/grants.
Contact the Assembly Social Services Committee:
The Assembly Social Services Committee is considering Assembly Bill 8375 tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27). Contact the members today and ask them to support the bill:
Maritza Davila, Chair (Dist. 53 – Brooklyn)
DavilaM@nyassembly.gov
Andrea K. Bailey (Dist. 133- Avon)
baileya@nyassembly.gov
Sam Berger (Dist. 27 – Flushing)
bergers@nyassembly.gov
Manny De Los Santos (Dist. 72 – Manhattan)
delossm@nyassembly.gov
Simcha Eichenstein (Dist. 48 – Brooklyn)
EichensteinS@nyassembly.gov
Phara Souffrant Forrest (Dist. 57 – Brooklyn)
souffrantforrestp@nyassembly.gov
Christopher S. Friend (Dist. 124 – Horseheads)
friendc@nyassembly.gov
Jessica González-Rojas (Dist. 34 – Queens)
gonzalezrojasj@nyassembly.gov
David G. McDonough (Dist. 14 – Bellmore)
mcdonoughd@nyassembly.gov
Andrew M. Molitor (Dist. 150 – Jamestown)
molitora@nyassembly.gov
Diana C. Moreno (Dist. 36 – Queens)
morenod@nyassembly.gov
Kwani B. O’Pharrow (Dist. 11- Lindenhurst)
opharrowk@nyassembly.gov
Steven Raga (Dist. 30 – Woodside)
ragas@nyassembly.gov
Karines Reyes (Dist. 87 – Bronx)
reyesk@nyassembly.gov
Gabriella A. Romero (Dist. 109 – Albany)
romerog@nyassembly.gov
Matthew Simpson (Dist. 114 – Adirondack)
SimpsonM@nyassembly.gov
Michaelle C. Solages (Dist. 22- Elmont)
SolagesM@nyassembly.gov
Claire Valdez (Dist. 37 – Queens)
valdezc@nyassembly.gov
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor bills impacting dogs and dog owners in New York. For questions or more information, contact us at doglaw@akc.org.