Bill

J 1864

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 62 co-sponsors

Requests the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month to boost recognition, reporting, and education on animal cruelty in New York.

ADOPTED

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · J 1864

Summary of Bill J 1864 (2025-2026) – New York

Title

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026 as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

Purpose and Intent

The bill is a ceremonial resolution directing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month.
It aligns New York with nationwide efforts to raise awareness about animal cruelty and the protection of companion animals during National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month (April).

Key Provisions

Memorialization of the Governor to issue a proclamation designating April 2026 as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month in New York.
In tandem with the observance of National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, encouraging public recognition, education, and awareness about pet cruelty issues.
The resolution references the goal of increasing public awareness and reporting of animal cruelty and highlights the role of animal-control officers in informing residents about what constitutes animal cruelty.
Encourages citizens to learn signs of cruelty and to report incidents to police.
Invokes ASPCA’s national “Go Orange for Animals” campaign during April as part of the broader awareness effort.

Affected Parties and Impact

General public in New York State: Encouraged to recognize and participate in Pet Cruelty Awareness Month activities, learn signs of cruelty, and report suspected cases.
Animal-control officers: Emphasized as communicators of what constitutes cruelty and as liaisons for reporting.
Animals/Pets: Indirect impact through heightened awareness and potential increases in reporting and intervention in cases of abuse, neglect, abandonment, starvation, improper shelter, or organized fighting (as defined in the resolution).

Notable Definitions and Context

Defines animal cruelty as the infliction of unjustifiable pain, suffering, or death, whether by intentional abuse (commission) or neglect (omission).
Examples listed: physical violence, starvation, abandonment, chronic tethering, lack of proper shelter, and organized fighting.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Legislative action status:
- Referred to Finance (4/10/2026)
- Reported to Calendar for consideration and adopted (4/21/2026)
The measure is a memorializing resolution, not a law or appropriation. If enacted, it would be a formal recommendation or request to the Governor to issue the proclamation.
The bill includes a formal transmission to the Governor upon enactment.

Summary Statement

This bill requests the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Pet Cruelty Awareness Month in New York, aligning state observance with National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. It emphasizes recognizing animal cruelty, encouraging reporting and public education, and supporting ongoing efforts by animal-control officers and the ASPCA’s awareness campaigns. As a memorializing resolution, it signals intent and public recognition rather than establishing new statutory requirements or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.