Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 31, 2026, as Hug a Sheep Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

Urges the Governor to proclaim October 31, 2026, as Hug a Sheep Day in New York to promote kindness to sheep and related educational activities.

ADOPTED

Summary of Bill: Memorializing Governor to Proclaim Hug a Sheep Day

Bill and Purpose

Bill type: Assembly Resolution (A. 1452) from the Rules Committee (Lemondes), session 2025-2026.

Sponsor/location: New York State Assembly; memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul.

Main intent: To urge and memorialize Governor Hochul to proclaim October 31, 2026, as Hug a Sheep Day in the State of New York, aligning with National Hug a Sheep Day.

What the bill would do

Official proclamation request: The resolution requests the Governor to issue a formal proclamation designating October 31, 2026, as Hug a Sheep Day in New York.

Observance alignment: Ties the state observance to the broader National Hug a Sheep Day, which occurs on the last Saturday of October each year.

Background and rationale (as described in the bill)

Nature of the day: A celebration intended to:

Promote kindness and compassion toward sheep.
Highlight the roles sheep play in agriculture and wool production.
Foster public interest in sheep welfare and ethical treatment.

Activities described: Encourages engagement such as farm visits, petting zoos, knitting classes, and opportunities to learn about sheep (intelligence, memory for faces, self-medication habits, etc.).

Public benefits: Raises awareness about animal welfare, supports educational opportunities about sheep, and provides enjoyable, family-friendly activities.

Who is affected

Primary affected party: The State of New York, through a gubernatorial proclamation.

Indirect effects: Farms, petting zoos, and educational programs that participate in or promote Hug a Sheep Day; residents and visitors who may engage in sheep-oriented activities on or around October 31, 2026.

Key provisions and changes

Proclamation recommendation: The core provision is a formal memorialization directing the Governor to proclaim October 31, 2026, as Hug a Sheep Day.

No statutory changes or funding: The resolution does not create new laws, appropriations, or regulatory changes; it is ceremonial.

Procedural/timeline notes

Referral history: Referred to calendar on May 22, 2026; later adopted on May 27, 2026.

Outcome required for effect: Publication of a gubernatorial proclamation to implement the requested observance.

Date of observance: October 31, 2026 (as requested by the bill).

Potential impact

Cultural/educational impact: Encourages awareness of sheep welfare and agricultural contributions; potential enhancement of public engagement with sheep-related farms and programs.

Public communication: Provides an officially recognized occasion to promote kindness toward sheep and animal welfare messaging within New York.

Bottom line

The bill is a ceremonial resolution urging the Governor to proclaim October 31, 2026, as Hug a Sheep Day in New York, aligning with National Hug a Sheep Day and promoting awareness, kindness toward sheep, and related educational activities.