County Executive Serino And Advocates Discuss Animal Welfare

POUGHKEEPSIE – To address concerns regarding animal welfare, Dutchess County Executive Serino and Legislature Chairman Will Truitt announced the formation of an ‘Animal Advisory Committee’ that will strive to improve the quality of life for animals in Dutchess County by further developing humane law, improving communication with municipalities, identifying available local, state, federal and private grant opportunities and funding streams, and developing a community plan that would help address housing for animals.

“Our pets are often an extension of our family, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our animals are treated with the utmost care that they deserve,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “By gathering providers and advocates together, we can address some of the critical challenges surrounding animal welfare and create real solutions that will make a difference in humane law. I look forward to continuing to work with my partners in County Government to ensure we can better protect those who are unable to protect themselves.”

Changes in humane law administration and policy changes pertaining to the housing of animals at local shelters prompted advocates to come together to address the new challenges and brainstorm solutions. Serino and Truitt joined County Comptroller Gregg Pulver and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office to host a roundtable discussion focused on animal welfare and the greatest challenges surrounding the topic. Over 20 individuals were in attendance, including humane law enforcement officers, municipal leaders, animal rescue organizations, and advocates.

“The establishment of this committee represents a significant step forward in our commitment to speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” said Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt. “This initiative will ensure that animal welfare is given the attention and care it deserves, playing a crucial role in shaping effective policies that defend the well-being of animals and reflect our shared values as a community. I am excited to continue collaborating with the County Executive and County Comptroller and to advance our efforts in promoting humane treatment.”

“While serving in the County Legislature, I remained steadfast in my commitment to protecting our most vulnerable loved ones – our animals,” said Dutchess County Comptroller Gregg Pulver. “By creating and establishing the County’s ‘Animal Abuse Registry’ we took the first step to getting our animals out of harm’s way, but now we need to find new solutions that will enhance their quality of life. I look forward to working with the County Executive and Legislature to find new ways to increase care.”

Karen LeCain, founder of Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County said, “The mission shifts by local rescue groups without a contingency plan or liaise with alternate organizations, has resulted in a major lack of resources for these animals. Consequently, this shift placed an excessive burden on other rescue groups, which faced a surge in animal admissions, and left local municipalities without established agreements to manage the stray animal population. Through this committee, we can collectively work together to create solutions that will alleviate the problems caused by others.”