CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE SECURES FEDERAL FUNDING TO STRENGTHEN LOLLYPOP FARM’S HUMANE LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, will take a significant step forward in its mission to investigate animal welfare, cruelty, and neglect thanks to $344,000 in congressionally directed federal funding secured by Congressman Joe Morelle to strengthen humane law enforcement efforts across the Greater Rochester region.

The grant, which was signed into law earlier this year as part of the Consolidated Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, will enhance Lollypop Farm’s humane law enforcement capabilities. Funding will support the addition of two additional full-time humane investigators, critical communications equipment, fuel, and other operational infrastructure.

Additionally, the grant allocates money for supplies and equipment to further strengthen Lollypop Farm’s Animal Emergency Response Team, enhancing the organization’s ability to quickly respond to animal-related emergencies throughout the community.

Alice Calabrese, Lollypop Farm President and CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Congressman Morelle to take a significant step forward in addressing animal welfare, cruelty, and neglect throughout our community. This investment in our humane law enforcement efforts, combined with the momentum of our Kindness for All Kind campaign and the extraordinary work happening across every area of our organization, represents a powerful step forward for animals and the people who love them. Together, these efforts are strengthening our ability to provide critical care, protection, and meaningful resources for our community today while building a more compassionate future for the animals and community members who depend on us.”

“Lollypop Farm has long been worked to protect animals, empower families, and support law enforcement to ensure accountability and compassion go hand in hand,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I was proud to secure this Congressionally directed funding to strengthen Lollypop’s humane law enforcement efforts and expand their ability to serve our region. I’ll always stand with partners like Lollypop Farm who are doing the work to keep our community safe and strong.”

Reno DiDomenico, Vice President for Humane Law Enforcement, said: “Congressman Morelle’s support of Lollypop Farm represents a transformational investment in the safety and wellbeing of animals across our community. Funding will strengthen Lollypop Farm’s humane law enforcement efforts by allowing us to hire additional investigators, secure critical communications equipment, and further equip our Animal Emergency Response Team. These resources will ensure we are better prepared to respond quickly, investigate cruelty, and safeguard animal welfare throughout the Greater Rochester region.”

Each year, Lollypop Farm’s humane law enforcement team responds to thousands of calls for service throughout a four-county footprint. In 2025 alone, investigators patrolled more than 2,200 square miles, responding to nearly 3,000 calls for service, seizing more than 350 animals from unsafe conditions, participated in 149 community outreach events, and made 22 arrests.

While this grant will play a significant role in helping enforce current animal welfare protections and hold individuals accountable, Lollypop Farm continues to engage with elected officials, supporting legislative reform, and working alongside advocates and lobbyists at the state level to pursue more proactive protections, including proposed laws Assembly Bill A1609 and Assembly Bill A6602. These measures would allow intervention before irreversible suffering takes place. Lollypop Farm encourages the community to join in this life-changing effort by contacting representatives and lending your voice to meaningful change. Together, we can strengthen our ability to protect animals.
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 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, and TikTok.

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.

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