SPCA Serving Erie County Leaders Bring Animal Welfare Priorities to State Capitol During Advocacy Day 2026

From left: SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly, Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca, and Chief Development Officer Kelly Wolf

March 2026 –The SPCA Serving Erie County was well represented in Albany on Wednesday, March 11, as President/CEO Cait Daly, Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca, and Chief Development Officer Kelly Wolf took part in Advocacy Day.

Held annually, Advocacy Day provides organizations from across New York the opportunity to meet directly with lawmakers and advocate for policies that impact their communities. This year, in conjunction with the New York State Animal Protection Federation—of which Daly serves as board president—the SPCA Serving Erie County joined fellow animal welfare leaders from throughout the state to champion legislation aimed at improving the lives of animals and strengthening protections statewide.

From left, Wolf, Assembly Member Chludzinski, Daly, Lattuca.

The team engaged legislators in conversations about key priorities outlined in this year’s Humane Agenda >>. These issues include strengthening animal cruelty laws, supporting shelters and rescues, and ensuring adequate funding for animal welfare initiatives. More details on the 2026 Humane Agenda can be found here: >>.

During their time at the Capitol, Daly, Lattuca, and Wolf met with several elected officials, including Patrick M. Gallivan and Patrick Chludzinski, as well as representatives from the offices of Assembly Member Karen McMahon and Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes. These discussions allowed the team to highlight the importance of humane legislation and to share firsthand insights from Erie County on the challenges and opportunities facing animal welfare organizations today.

Within mere days following Advocacy Day, Senator Gallivan added his name as cosponsor to two important pieces of legislation concerning trying animal fighting as a criminal act for purposes of enterprise corruption crimes (Assembly Member Chludzinski also expressed strong interest in this legislation) and establishing a civil remedy (vs. criminal) for the protection of animals denied proper care in appropriate situations.

By participating in Advocacy Day, the SPCA Serving Erie County continues its commitment to being a strong voice for animals, ensuring their needs are represented at the state level while helping to shape a more compassionate future for all.