ANIMALS TAKE THE FLOOR AT CITY HALL

The New York City Council announced the creation of the Animal Welfare Caucus, a new platform focused on advancing protections and supporting the people who care for them. Advocates say the name was intentional—“a means to an end” in building broader support for progress for animals.

Championed by Council Member Harvey Epstein and Speaker Julie Menin, the caucus builds on years of advocacy from residents and local animal protection groups calling for stronger leadership on animal welfare issues across the city.

“As a long-time dog dad to my rescue dog Homer, it is an honor to chair the Animal Welfare Caucus,” Epstein said. “The caucus will be a vehicle for Council Members to create a shared agenda for the humane treatment of animals.”

A paws-itive step forward for animals

In recent years, animal care has become more expensive. Veterinary bills, medications, and everyday needs can quickly add up, leaving families to make difficult choices about their pets’ health.

National surveys reflect that strain. According to Gallup, 52% of US pet owners report skipping or declining veterinary care due to cost.

City leaders say the caucus will help advance these concerns. It will also give animal protection a more consistent place in the Council’s work—creating a home for legislation, building support to move bills forward, and ensuring animal issues aren’t sidelined during major policy debates.

Together, those efforts reinforce something advocates have long said: animal welfare is not a niche concern.

The humans making progress happen

Behind the announcement is a network of advocates—and people like you—who never stopped speaking up for animals.

“The launch of the Animal Welfare Caucus is a historic milestone for animals in New York City,” said Allie Taylor, President of Voters for Animal Rights, a member of the Animal Policy Alliance (APA). “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.”

Animal advocacy organizations across the city welcomed the news. Groups including the ASPCA and Humane World for Animals say the caucus will help bring together lawmakers, experts, and community voices working to help build a more humane city.

What’s on the docket for animals

As chair of the new caucus, Council Member Epstein says the goal is to bring animal welfare into more of the city’s everyday policy conversations.

“Through smart, modern policies, we will reduce harm, protect ecosystems, and foster a healthier, more sustainable city for all,” he said.

That momentum is showing up in other parts of New York policy, too. A bill to prohibit octopus farming passed out of committee in the New York State Assembly—the first on the East Coast to gain significant traction.

For animals, new doors are opening in public policy.

A big city step for animals everywhere

In New York, change moves faster than a yellow cab in Midtown. That’s good news for animals beyond the boroughs.

Animal protection belongs in the everyday work of local government. And when a city this big puts animals on the agenda, it helps move the conversation forward everywhere else, too.

That is something worth wagging about.

To keep that momentum going, join our Fast Action Network—stay connected to opportunities to speak up for animals wherever you live.