City Council forms Animal Welfare Caucus to protect animals and make pet ownership more affordable for New Yorkers

A new caucus by the City Council is advocating to make New York City more friendly for animals and those who care for them.

Spearheaded by Council Member Harvey Epstein and City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the Animal Welfare Caucus is dedicated to advocacy for the humane treatment of animals in the city while also advancing more legislation to make pet ownership more affordable for animal-loving New Yorkers.

The caucus is being formed because of Speaker Menin giving the issues a formal platform within the City Council.

“As a long-time dog dad to my rescue dog Homer, it is an honor to chair the Animal Welfare Caucus in the City Council. The Caucus will be a vehicle for Council Members to create a shared agenda for the humane treatment of animals,” said Council Member Epstein. “Through smart, modern policies, we will reduce harm, protect ecosystems, and foster a healthier, more sustainable city for all. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to deliver results for all of our family members and friends, whether on two legs or four. I am grateful to Speaker Menin for this historic opportunity to improve animal welfare across our city.”

“Animals are an essential part of the fabric of New York City, and the people who care for them deserve meaningful support,” said Speaker Menin. “The creation of the Animal Welfare Caucus ensures that responsible ownership and pet care affordability have a clear and consistent voice within the Council. At a time when veterinary costs and pet care expenses are rising, we must advance policies that protect animals while also supporting the families who love them. I’m proud to partner with Council Member Epstein and advocates across the city to build a more compassionate, animal-friendly New York.”

Council Member Harvey Epstein and his dog, Homer.Photo courtesy of City Council Member Harvey Epstein’s office

Pets have a profound impact on their human counterparts in New York City and beyond. However, it has become increasingly unaffordable to own a pet. According to a study from Gallup, 52% of U.S. Pet Owners skipped or declined veterinary care due to cost.

With the formation of the Animal Welfare Caucus, the City Council is recognizing the interconnectedness between New Yorkers’ well-being and that of our animal companions while making the city a happier and healthier place to live.

“The launch of the Animal Welfare Caucus is a historic milestone for animals in New York City,” said Allie Taylor, President, Voters For Animal Rights (VFAR). “For years, advocates and constituents have called for sustained leadership on animal protection within the Council, and this caucus creates the structure to make that work lasting and impactful. We thank Council Member Harvey Epstein for leading this effort and Speaker Julie Menin for helping make it a reality. Voters For Animal Rights looks forward to working with caucus members to advance thoughtful, effective legislation that reflects the values of New Yorkers.”

“Pets are family, and the New Yorkers who care for them deserve thoughtful, compassionate leadership,” said Michelle Villagomez, Senior Director of Municipal Affairs for the ASPCA. “The ASPCA supports the creation of an Animal Welfare Caucus, and through our ongoing work to provide critical services, care and resources to animals in need across all five boroughs, we look forward to partnering with the Council to strengthen protections for animals and the communities they enrich.”

“The newly formed Animal Welfare Caucus will be a strong, unifying voice in the City Council for advancing animal protection and welfare measures,” said Brian Shapiro, New York State Director of Humane World for Animals (formerly called the Humane Society of the United States). “Councilmember Harvey Epstein has long championed initiatives that make our communities safer and more humane for both people and animals. By partnering with experts, the caucus will work to build a broad and effective coalition in support of humane policies for New York City.”