We, the undersigned residents of Rochester, New York, call on the Rochester City Council to strengthen existing animal protection laws and improve enforcement to prevent cruelty, neglect, and exposure to dangerous weather conditions.

Every year, many animals in our city are left outside without shelter, freezing in the winter, overheating in the summer, and suffering needlessly. These cases are being reported repeatedly, yet response and enforcement remain inconsistent. Rochester can and must do better.  There is a group of us same people who advocate online for these animals suffering with no means to an end. 

We respectfully ask the Rochester City Council to adopt the following measures:

 1. Weather Protection Ordinance:
Prohibit leaving animals outdoors without adequate shelter during extreme temperatures, wind chills, heat advisories, heavy rain, snow, or storms. Define “adequate shelter” clearly to include proper insulation, shade, dry bedding, and full protection from the elements.

 2. Tethering Restrictions:
Limit the number of hours an animal may be tethered or left outdoors unattended, particularly in dangerous weather.

 3. Stronger Penalties for Neglect:
Increase fines and require mandatory welfare checks for repeat offenders or addresses with multiple complaints.

 4. Mandatory Response Protocols:
Establish clear procedures for Rochester Animal Services and law enforcement to follow when reports of outdoor neglect or weather related distress are made.

 5. Community Education:
Promote awareness of the health dangers of cold and heat exposure, and inform residents of legal shelter requirements.

These improvements will save lives, prevent unnecessary suffering, and demonstrate Rochester’s commitment to compassion and responsible pet care.

We urge the Rochester City Council to prioritize this issue and take immediate action.
Animals cannot speak for themselves. Rochester must speak for them. This is causing many of us severe mental distress on a daily basis. We need to do better as a community.