We Did It, New York--Animal Program Funding Is Saved!

Dear New York Advocates,

Thanks to your efforts, the New York legislature restored funding to two crucial animal welfare programs during last-minute negotiations to finalize a state budget by the April 1 deadline. The budget now awaits Governor Spitzer’s signature!

The governor’s initial budget proposal would have cut $150,000 from the Animal Population Control Fund and $100,000 from the Pet Dealer Licensing Law to instead pay the salaries and fringe benefits of state employees. These cuts would have devastated these programs, even though our state’s need for low-cost spay/neuter services, and consumer complaints about pet dealers, continues to rise.

What You Can Do
Your letters calling for action were answered, and now it’s only appropriate to thank those who helped save New York’s animal program-friendly budget.

Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to send a letter of thanks to Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and your own state representatives.

Great job, New York! With your help, we really made a difference!