As someone whose heart aches at the sight of the countless dogs euthanized daily in New York State due to overcrowded shelters and the inability to find them homes soon enough, this cause couldn't be more personal. Our shelters are brimming with dogs, many of whom live in substandard conditions, often drugged on Trazodone, let out one time a day, neglected, and eventually killed due to kennel stress or overcrowding. Meanwhile, rescues continue to bring more dogs from out of state, ignoring the desperate canine homelessness situation in our own backyard.

Data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) shows that approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized each year in the United States - a percentage of these being dogs in our local New York shelters. This crisis requires immediate action.

I am petitioning the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to impose a temporary ban on anyone, including rescue organizations, from bringing rescue animals and strays from out of state. We need to focus on controlling and tackling the heartbreaking plight of homeless dogs and overcrowded shelters within our state before accepting others.

This ban should remain in effect until the situation is brought under control, and our shelters can adequately provide for the animals within their care. This change won't just help our current homeless dogs but also prevent future ones from ending up in similarly dire situations.

I urge you to consider the unspoken sorrow of these forgotten dogs and petition alongside me to prioritize them by supporting this ban. Please sign this petition now and help us give our local dogs a chance at life.