ASK LEGISLATORS TO KEEP COMPANION ANIMAL CAPITAL FUND IN BUDGET, ADD ANIMAL CRIMES FUND
UPDATE May 8, 2025 — In an exciting email this morning, New York State Animal Protection Federation Executive Director Libby Post shared that our advocacy efforts worked! There is now $10 million approved for the Companion Animal Capital Fund after the NYS Legislature proposed an additional $5 million be added to the existing $5 million designated by Gov. Kathy Hochul! Thank you to Senator Joseph Addabbo, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Senator Michelle Hinchey, and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo for their work in helping to aquire this additional funding. At this time, no funding has been approved for an Animal Crimes Fund, but future advocacy efforts will be initiated at a later time. A special thanks to the friends of the SPCA Serving Erie County for showing incredible support in achieving this Companion Animal Capital Fund victory!
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Companion animals need your voice *NOW!*
The New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF) and the SPCA Serving Erie County need your help!
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul included
$5 million in the state budget for the Companion Animal Capital Fund, the only fund of its kind in the country that supports capital projects at rescues, shelters, and humane societies such as our SPCA Serving Erie County. This increases organizations’ ability to provide proper care to hundreds of thousands of companion animals throughout the state of New York. Due to the number of qualified organizations in the state, the total, while generous, can be exhausted quickly.
The New York State Legislature added $5 million to the state budget to bring the total to ten million dollars, doubling the amount of money that can be placed towards caring for animals in need in New York State. Now it’s important that this additional five million dollars stay in the budget.
Additionally, the NYSAPF is asking for $2.5 million to help with costs associated with rescuing and caring for abused animals that are victims of animal cruelty cases as part of the Animal Crimes Fund.
CAN YOU HELP US ENSURE THIS FUNDING IS IN THE NEW YORK STATE BUDGET FOR 2025?
Action needs to be taken as soon as possible, before April 1, 2025! We need your voice today to ensure New York State can help us care for animals in need!
TAKE ACTION
Those interested in encouraging lawmakers 
to keep the full Companion Animal Capital Fund and add the Animal Crimes Fund to the New York State budget can add their voice to thousands who want to ensure animals are cared for. Contact lawmakers using an on-line, pre-written form here >>