LOLLYPOP FARM JOINS STATEWIDE EFFORT IN ALBANY TO STRENGTHEN ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS

ALBANY, N.Y. – Staff from Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, joined the New York State Animal Protection Federation for its annual advocacy day in Albany earlier this week to speak with state representatives about the importance of supporting stronger animal welfare legislation in New York State.

“For more than six years, Lollypop Farm, along with the New York State Animal Protection Federation, has been working to address gaps in existing animal protection laws through advocacy, and we’re committed to finding effective ways to engage with our state representatives to express the importance of strengthening animal protections,” said Lollypop Farm CEO and President Alice Calabrese. “These conversations allow us to communicate concerns and needs directly with lawmakers and provide a constructive dialogue that we hope will bridge inadequacies found in current laws.”

During the visit, Lollypop Farm staff met with legislators to discuss several common-sense pieces of proposed legislation aimed at curbing cruelty and neglect, strengthening penalties for offenders, and improving coordination between humane law enforcement and other agencies.

Among the proposals discussed were:

Under A1609 – Criminal Reporting Access for SPCA Officers, animal welfare agencies designated as SPCA, including Lollypop Farm, would be recognized as “qualified agencies” with access to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services central data facility. This includes criminal records, photographs, and fingerprint data, and the ability for humane law enforcement to report animal-related crimes into the system directly. This enhanced information sharing will improve coordination with state and federal law enforcement and help track individuals responsible for repeated acts of cruelty or neglect.

A6602 – Endangering the Welfare of Companion and Farm Animals would create a two-degree criminal offense for endangering an animal’s welfare, elevating culpable harm to felony status. Currently, most cruelty cases are limited to misdemeanors; this legislation reflects the severity of animal cruelty and provides stronger deterrents and penalties for offenders.

Community members who want to help strengthen legal protections for animals are encouraged to contact their elected officials and urge them to support these important bills. Find your local representative here: https://elections.ny.gov/new-york-state-elected-officials.

To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life-saving animal care, essential services, advocacy efforts, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.

About Kindness for All Kind

Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.

Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.

About Lollypop Farm

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

###