Hold St. Lawrence County & NY State Accountable to Support Animal Shelters & the Community
The Issue
To: The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators, the St. Lawrence County Department of Agriculture, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Local District Attorneys, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Judicial Officials.
The Problem:
Every day, local animal shelters, rescues, animal control officers, fosters, and community volunteers are forced to absorb the catastrophic failures of our system. They are left physically, emotionally, and financially exhausted while trying to save animals that are injured, abandoned, starved, or left for dead on the sides of our roads.
The weight of this crisis is currently carried by individuals earning minimum wage—or uncompensated volunteers paying out of pocket—to rescue, feed, heal, and house animals in need. Meanwhile, the county, state, law enforcement, district attorneys, and local judges neglect to enforce existing animal welfare laws, fail to provide adequate funding, and enforce unrealistic restrictions that hinder rescue efforts.
Ignorance is no longer an excuse. The officials elected and appointed to provide governance, funding, guidance, and legal enforcement have become complicit through inaction.
Our Demands:
We, the undersigned residents and advocates, demand immediate, measurable action and accountability from our local and state authorities:
Direct Funding & Resource Allocation: Immediate financial assistance to local shelters, rescues, and foster networks to build, expand, and maintain humane living facilities.
Expanded Spay & Neuter Access: Subsidized, low-cost spay/neuter programs across St. Lawrence County to address animal overpopulation at its root.
Veterinary Assistance Programs: County and state funding to recruit and subsidize veterinary care for municipal and non-profit animal rescue operations.
Strict Law Enforcement & Prosecution: Stronger enforcement of animal cruelty laws by local police and District Attorneys, paired with real accountability from judges who preside over cruelty and neglect cases.
Volunteer & Program Modernization: Removal of counterproductive bureaucratic restrictions to allow volunteers access to train, socialize, and rehome shelter animals efficiently.
The Call to Action:
We are tired of watching shelter workers and volunteers, and community members burn out mentally, emotionally, and financially while those behind desks collect paychecks and look the other way. The community is done taking on the government's responsibility without support.
If our local and state representatives refuse to act, we will escalate this movement to the highest levels of government and bring global public awareness to the neglect occurring in our region. We are standing up for the voiceless, and we demand that those in power step up, fulfill their duties, and fund the solution.
Sign this petition to demand immediate funding, legal enforcement, and systemic support for the animals and caretakers of St. Lawrence County.
Please sign this petition, share it, and contact everyone in every way (calls, email, fax, etc.). Fill their voicemails and inboxes! Even if they don't cover your district, reach out to them anyway. Put the pressure on. Election time is coming!
WHO TO CONTACT:
For Legislation & Policy Advocacy
St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators
Role: Enacts local laws, introduces county resolutions, and sets budget allocations for county services and animal control oversight.
Phone: (315) 379-2276
Office: 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617
Action: You can contact the Clerk of the Board to submit written public comments for monthly meetings or reach out directly to your specific district legislator.
New York State Representatives (Senate & Assembly)
Role: Primary criminal statutes governing animal cruelty (e.g., Agriculture & Markets Law Article 26) are state laws. Changes to penalties, mandatory reporting, or standard-of-care definitions occur at the state legislature level.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office
Dispatch / Non-Emergency: (315) 379-2222
Role: Investigates criminal animal abuse, neglect, and illegal fighting rings throughout the county.
Local Municipal Law Enforcement
Role: Village and town police departments (such as Potsdam, Canton, Massena, or Ogdensburg Police) handle immediate cruelty reports and welfare checks within their respective jurisdictions.
Town Dog Control Officers (DCOs)
Role: Appointed at the municipal level to enforce local dog licensing, running-at-large laws, and immediate dangerous dog or stray situations. Note: While DCOs manage municipal impoundments, severe cruelty investigations are turned over to the Sheriff or local police.
St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators (2026)
Chair: David Forsythe (District 2)
Vice-Chair: Larry Denesha (District 6)
District 1: James E. Reagen
District 2: David Forsythe
District 3: Joseph Lightfoot
District 4: William Sheridan
District 5: Harry Smithers
District 6: Larry Denesha
District 7: Rick Perkins
District 8: Allan Robinson
District 9: Anthony R. Levato
District 10: Margaret Haggard
District 11: Glenn Webster
District 12: John Burke
District 13: John Gennett
District 14: Nicole Terminelli
District 15: Rita Curran
Federal Representation
U.S. Senators: Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand
U.S. House of Representatives (By Region / District):
Hudson Valley, Capital Region, & North Country: George Latimer (16th), Michael Lawler (17th), Patrick Ryan (18th), Josh Riley (19th), Paul Tonko (20th), Elise Stefanik (21st)
Mohawk Valley, Central NY, Finger Lakes, & Western NY: John W. Mannion (22nd), Nicholas Langworthy (23rd), Claudia Tenney (24th), Joseph D. Morelle (25th), Timothy M. Kennedy (26th)
State Executive Leadership
Governor: Kathy Hochul
Lieutenant Governor: Antonio Delgado
Attorney General: Letitia James
State Comptroller: Thomas P. DiNapoli
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Contact Details
Phone: (518) 457-2771 or (800) 554-4501 (Toll-Free)
Email: Commissioner@agriculture.ny.gov
Website: agriculture.ny.gov
Mailing Address:
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Division of Animal Industry
10B Airline Drive
Albany, NY 12235
Janet Collier, LVT, Animal Health Inspector for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Division of Animal Industry).
Direct Phone: (518) 944-4355
Main Division Phone: (518) 457-3502
Email: janet.collier@agriculture.ny.gov
Fax: (518) 485-7773
Mailing Address: Division of Animal Industry, 10B Airline Dr., Albany, N.Y. 12235
Division Leadership
Joy Bennett, DVM
Title: Director, Division of Animal Industry
Phone: (518) 457-3502
Email: joy.bennett@agriculture.ny.gov
David M. Chico, VMD, MPH
Title: Assistant Director, Division of Animal Industry
Phone: (518) 457-3502
Email Address: David.Chico@agriculture.ny.gov
General Division Email: dai@agriculture.ny.gov
Phone Number: (518) 457-3502
Executive Leadership
Richard A. Ball
Title: Commissioner, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Phone: (518) 457-8876 (Main Executive Office)
*Updated list of emails:
Commissioner@agriculture.ny.gov,
janet.collier@agriculture.ny.gov,
oy.bennett@agriculture.ny.gov,
David.Chico@agriculture.ny.gov,
dai@agriculture.ny.gov,
cgates-shult@potsdampolice.com,
chief@cantonny.gov,
mkearns@ogdensburg.org,
cantonpd@northnet.org,
police@norfolkny.com,
dforsythe@stlawco.gov,
ldenesha@stlawco.gov,
jreagen@stlawco.gov,
jlightfoot@stlawco.gov,
wsheridan@stlawco.gov,
hsmithers@stlawco.gov,
rperkins@stlawco.gov,
arobinson@stlawco.gov,
alevato@stlawco.gov,
mhaggard@stlawco.gov,
gwebster@stlawco.gov,
jburke@stlawco.gov,
jgennett@stlawco.gov,
nterminelli@stlawco.gov,
rcurran@stlawco.gov,
contactus@osc.ny.gov,
info@blakeforny.com,
patrickbradycampaign@gmail.com,
thisweek@northcountrynow.com,
news@nny360.com,
kasch@stlawu.edu,
ucomm@stlawu.edu,
news@wwnytv.com,
yournews@charter.com,
nynews@charter.com,
press@dos.ny.gov,
press.office@exec.ny.gov,
info@savenylocalnews.com,
ChambersMFarley@nycourts.gov,
StLawrenceSupremeCo@nycourts.gov,
StLawrenceCounty@nycourts.gov,
mlemay@nycourts.gov,
jburns@nycourts.gov,
moehler@nycourts.gov,
Drutherford@wwnytv.net,
news.tips@abc.com,
tips@nbcuni.com,
nytnews@nytimes.com,
wsjcontact@wsj.com,
corrections@washpost.com,
usatoday@usatoday.com,
news@politico.com,
media@npr.org,
newshour@pbs.org,
info@peta.org,
info@aspca.org,
info@hsus.org,
info@aldf.org,
info@faw.org,
info@mercyforanimals.org,
contact@thehumaneleague.org,
info@farmausa.org,
info@animalaid.org.uk,
info@ciwf.org,
news@nytimes.com,
upfirst@npr.org,
globalnews@bbc.co.uk,
earlybird@politico.com,
podsaveamerica@crooked.com,
textit@wsj.com,
postreports@washpost.com,
todaysexplained@vox.com,
This link has a pre-written letter to send out.
Hold St. Lawrence County & State Accountable to Support Animal Shelters and the Community
198
The Issue
To: The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators, the St. Lawrence County Department of Agriculture, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Local District Attorneys, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Judicial Officials.
The Problem:
Every day, local animal shelters, rescues, animal control officers, fosters, and community volunteers are forced to absorb the catastrophic failures of our system. They are left physically, emotionally, and financially exhausted while trying to save animals that are injured, abandoned, starved, or left for dead on the sides of our roads.
The weight of this crisis is currently carried by individuals earning minimum wage—or uncompensated volunteers paying out of pocket—to rescue, feed, heal, and house animals in need. Meanwhile, the county, state, law enforcement, district attorneys, and local judges neglect to enforce existing animal welfare laws, fail to provide adequate funding, and enforce unrealistic restrictions that hinder rescue efforts.
Ignorance is no longer an excuse. The officials elected and appointed to provide governance, funding, guidance, and legal enforcement have become complicit through inaction.
Our Demands:
We, the undersigned residents and advocates, demand immediate, measurable action and accountability from our local and state authorities:
Direct Funding & Resource Allocation: Immediate financial assistance to local shelters, rescues, and foster networks to build, expand, and maintain humane living facilities.
Expanded Spay & Neuter Access: Subsidized, low-cost spay/neuter programs across St. Lawrence County to address animal overpopulation at its root.
Veterinary Assistance Programs: County and state funding to recruit and subsidize veterinary care for municipal and non-profit animal rescue operations.
Strict Law Enforcement & Prosecution: Stronger enforcement of animal cruelty laws by local police and District Attorneys, paired with real accountability from judges who preside over cruelty and neglect cases.
Volunteer & Program Modernization: Removal of counterproductive bureaucratic restrictions to allow volunteers access to train, socialize, and rehome shelter animals efficiently.
The Call to Action:
We are tired of watching shelter workers and volunteers, and community members burn out mentally, emotionally, and financially while those behind desks collect paychecks and look the other way. The community is done taking on the government's responsibility without support.
If our local and state representatives refuse to act, we will escalate this movement to the highest levels of government and bring global public awareness to the neglect occurring in our region. We are standing up for the voiceless, and we demand that those in power step up, fulfill their duties, and fund the solution.
Sign this petition to demand immediate funding, legal enforcement, and systemic support for the animals and caretakers of St. Lawrence County.
Please sign this petition, share it, and contact everyone in every way (calls, email, fax, etc.). Fill their voicemails and inboxes! Even if they don't cover your district, reach out to them anyway. Put the pressure on. Election time is coming!
WHO TO CONTACT:
For Legislation & Policy Advocacy
St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators
Role: Enacts local laws, introduces county resolutions, and sets budget allocations for county services and animal control oversight.
Phone: (315) 379-2276
Office: 48 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617
Action: You can contact the Clerk of the Board to submit written public comments for monthly meetings or reach out directly to your specific district legislator.
New York State Representatives (Senate & Assembly)
Role: Primary criminal statutes governing animal cruelty (e.g., Agriculture & Markets Law Article 26) are state laws. Changes to penalties, mandatory reporting, or standard-of-care definitions occur at the state legislature level.
St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office
Dispatch / Non-Emergency: (315) 379-2222
Role: Investigates criminal animal abuse, neglect, and illegal fighting rings throughout the county.
Local Municipal Law Enforcement
Role: Village and town police departments (such as Potsdam, Canton, Massena, or Ogdensburg Police) handle immediate cruelty reports and welfare checks within their respective jurisdictions.
Town Dog Control Officers (DCOs)
Role: Appointed at the municipal level to enforce local dog licensing, running-at-large laws, and immediate dangerous dog or stray situations. Note: While DCOs manage municipal impoundments, severe cruelty investigations are turned over to the Sheriff or local police.
St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators (2026)
Chair: David Forsythe (District 2)
Vice-Chair: Larry Denesha (District 6)
District 1: James E. Reagen
District 2: David Forsythe
District 3: Joseph Lightfoot
District 4: William Sheridan
District 5: Harry Smithers
District 6: Larry Denesha
District 7: Rick Perkins
District 8: Allan Robinson
District 9: Anthony R. Levato
District 10: Margaret Haggard
District 11: Glenn Webster
District 12: John Burke
District 13: John Gennett
District 14: Nicole Terminelli
District 15: Rita Curran
Federal Representation
U.S. Senators: Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand
U.S. House of Representatives (By Region / District):
Hudson Valley, Capital Region, & North Country: George Latimer (16th), Michael Lawler (17th), Patrick Ryan (18th), Josh Riley (19th), Paul Tonko (20th), Elise Stefanik (21st)
Mohawk Valley, Central NY, Finger Lakes, & Western NY: John W. Mannion (22nd), Nicholas Langworthy (23rd), Claudia Tenney (24th), Joseph D. Morelle (25th), Timothy M. Kennedy (26th)
State Executive Leadership
Governor: Kathy Hochul
Lieutenant Governor: Antonio Delgado
Attorney General: Letitia James
State Comptroller: Thomas P. DiNapoli
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Contact Details
Phone: (518) 457-2771 or (800) 554-4501 (Toll-Free)
Email: Commissioner@agriculture.ny.gov
Website: agriculture.ny.gov
Mailing Address:
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Division of Animal Industry
10B Airline Drive
Albany, NY 12235
Janet Collier, LVT, Animal Health Inspector for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Division of Animal Industry).
Direct Phone: (518) 944-4355
Main Division Phone: (518) 457-3502
Email: janet.collier@agriculture.ny.gov
Fax: (518) 485-7773
Mailing Address: Division of Animal Industry, 10B Airline Dr., Albany, N.Y. 12235
Division Leadership
Joy Bennett, DVM
Title: Director, Division of Animal Industry
Phone: (518) 457-3502
Email: joy.bennett@agriculture.ny.gov
David M. Chico, VMD, MPH
Title: Assistant Director, Division of Animal Industry
Phone: (518) 457-3502
Email Address: David.Chico@agriculture.ny.gov
General Division Email: dai@agriculture.ny.gov
Phone Number: (518) 457-3502
Executive Leadership
Richard A. Ball
Title: Commissioner, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Phone: (518) 457-8876 (Main Executive Office)
*Updated list of emails:
Commissioner@agriculture.ny.gov,
janet.collier@agriculture.ny.gov,
oy.bennett@agriculture.ny.gov,
David.Chico@agriculture.ny.gov,
dai@agriculture.ny.gov,
cgates-shult@potsdampolice.com,
chief@cantonny.gov,
mkearns@ogdensburg.org,
cantonpd@northnet.org,
police@norfolkny.com,
dforsythe@stlawco.gov,
ldenesha@stlawco.gov,
jreagen@stlawco.gov,
jlightfoot@stlawco.gov,
wsheridan@stlawco.gov,
hsmithers@stlawco.gov,
rperkins@stlawco.gov,
arobinson@stlawco.gov,
alevato@stlawco.gov,
mhaggard@stlawco.gov,
gwebster@stlawco.gov,
jburke@stlawco.gov,
jgennett@stlawco.gov,
nterminelli@stlawco.gov,
rcurran@stlawco.gov,
contactus@osc.ny.gov,
info@blakeforny.com,
patrickbradycampaign@gmail.com,
thisweek@northcountrynow.com,
news@nny360.com,
kasch@stlawu.edu,
ucomm@stlawu.edu,
news@wwnytv.com,
yournews@charter.com,
nynews@charter.com,
press@dos.ny.gov,
press.office@exec.ny.gov,
info@savenylocalnews.com,
ChambersMFarley@nycourts.gov,
StLawrenceSupremeCo@nycourts.gov,
StLawrenceCounty@nycourts.gov,
mlemay@nycourts.gov,
jburns@nycourts.gov,
moehler@nycourts.gov,
Drutherford@wwnytv.net,
news.tips@abc.com,
tips@nbcuni.com,
nytnews@nytimes.com,
wsjcontact@wsj.com,
corrections@washpost.com,
usatoday@usatoday.com,
news@politico.com,
media@npr.org,
newshour@pbs.org,
info@peta.org,
info@aspca.org,
info@hsus.org,
info@aldf.org,
info@faw.org,
info@mercyforanimals.org,
contact@thehumaneleague.org,
info@farmausa.org,
info@animalaid.org.uk,
info@ciwf.org,
news@nytimes.com,
upfirst@npr.org,
globalnews@bbc.co.uk,
earlybird@politico.com,
podsaveamerica@crooked.com,
textit@wsj.com,
postreports@washpost.com,
todaysexplained@vox.com,
This link has a pre-written letter to send out.
Hold St. Lawrence County & State Accountable to Support Animal Shelters and the Community
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
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Petition created on September 6, 2026