Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti joined New York State Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra in front of the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter to advocate for stronger animal welfare protections. Wantagh hosts one of the largest municipal shelters in New York. This is where they highlighted the urgent need to support animal shelters, promote pet adoption, and strengthen protections for vulnerable animals across the state. The pair of officials were joined by New York State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, and pups looking for their “furever” home.
“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to protect and strengthen every part of our community — and that includes animals who cannot speak up for themselves,” said Supervisor John Ferretti. “These two bills represent meaningful steps forward for animal welfare. Protecting animals from cruelty and promoting responsible adoption practices reflects the values of decency, compassion, and public safety that our residents expect from their government. I am proud to support legislation that provides vulnerable animals with a better chance at life while sending a clear message that animal abuse will not be tolerated.”
The team of officials announced support for two proposed state legislative measures aimed at easing overcrowding in shelters, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and providing additional resources for animals rescued from abuse and neglect.
One proposal, A.2377, would establish a tax credit for New Yorkers who adopt dogs or cats from qualifying shelters or rescue organizations. Under the legislation, adopters would receive a $100 tax credit per adopted pet, for up to three pets annually. Officials noted the measure would incentivize adoption while helping reduce overcrowding in shelters statewide.
Supervisor Ferretti and Leader Ra also highlighted A.8038, legislation that would create an Animal Offenses Assistance Fund to support shelters caring for abused, abandoned, and neglected animals. The proposal would establish additional fines for certain animal abuse convictions, with proceeds directed toward shelters to help cover costs associated with food, housing, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and other essential services for rescued animals.
Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra praised the efforts of the Town’s shelter staff and volunteers while emphasizing the importance of expanding support for adoption initiatives and shelter operations.
“If you have a pet, you know just how much joy and companionship they bring to every family and household,” said Ra. “The proposals Supervisor Ferretti and I highlighted today are aimed at easing the burden on animal shelters while encouraging more New Yorkers to open their homes to pets in need. As shelters continue working tirelessly to care for abandoned and displaced animals, I want to sincerely thank the staff and volunteers at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter for the incredible work they do every day caring for these animals and connecting them with loving families.”
The “Protect Our Pets” initiative builds upon ongoing efforts by Supervisor Ferretti and the Town Board to strengthen animal welfare protections, support responsible pet ownership, and advocate for policies that improve outcomes for shelter animals throughout New York State. The Town recently passed a law limiting dogs and cats to one litter per year, with owners required to report births to the Town for inclusion in a monitored litter registry, and fines for noncompliance. Building on this commitment, the Town partnered with District Attorney Anne Donnelly to repeal cashless bail for animal abusers and bar anyone with a prior animal abuse conviction from adopting a pet. The Town of Hempstead has also placed on increased effort on its Trap-Neuter-Return program to curb the population of feral cats on Long Island.
“Every animal deserves a safe, loving home, and every shelter deserves the support to make that possible. By backing these two bills, we’re helping shelters care for vulnerable animals while giving more pets a chance to find their forever families.”
