Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe DeStefano

Urges Gov. Hochul to proclaim October 2025 as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in New York, a ceremonial gesture to boost pet rescue awareness and adoption with no new laws or funding.

ADOPTED

Bill Summary: K 623 – Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in the State of New York

Purpose and intent

K 623 is a memorializing resolution urging the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, to proclaim October 2025 as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in New York State. The bill expresses the sense of the Legislature that recognizing pet rescue and adoption efforts is important and should be publicly celebrated through an official gubernatorial proclamation.

Key provisions

Recital and purpose: The resolution states the legislature’s intent to acknowledge the value of pet rescue organizations, shelters, and adopters and to promote awareness of pet rescue and responsible pet ownership.

Proclamation request: The core directive is for Governor Hochul to issue a formal proclamation designating October 2025 as Pet Rescue Awareness Month in New York.

Transmission: The resolution typically includes a provision to transmit suitably engrossed copies of the resolution to the Governor (and possibly other relevant officials or organizations), as is customary for memorials.

Scope of impact: As a memorial, the bill does not create new laws, regulatory requirements, or funding obligations. It is a symbolic, ceremonial gesture intended to foster public awareness and support for pet rescue initiatives.

Affected parties

Pet rescue organizations, animal shelters, rescue volunteers, and advocates within New York State.

Pet owners and residents who may participate in awareness events or adoption drives.

The Governor’s Office, which would issue the proclamation if the resolution is adopted as requested.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: May 28, 2025

Legislative actions: Referred to Calendar on May 28, 2025 (listed twice in the record)

Adopted: May 29, 2025 (record shows two “ADOPTED” entries, likely reflecting chamber and publication steps)

Sponsor: Joe DeStefano (primary)

Status and significance

Status: ADOPTED

Significance: As a memorializing resolution, the bill serves to formally request the Governor’s proclamation and to publicly acknowledge the importance of pet rescue awareness. It does not enact new policy or require spending; its effect is ceremonial and educational, potentially spurring awareness campaigns and participation in pet adoption activities during October 2025.

Overall, K 623 is a concise, ceremonial measure designed to highlight pet rescue awareness in New York and to secure a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Pet Rescue Awareness Month.