East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Legislature Chairman Will Truitt have announced the creation of an 'Animal Advisory Committee' aimed at improving animal welfare in Dutchess County. The committee will focus on enhancing humane laws, improving communication with municipalities, and identifying funding opportunities. It also aims to develop a community plan to address animal housing.

Serino emphasized the importance of treating animals with care, stating, "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." She expressed her commitment to collaborating with county partners to protect animals.

Recent changes in humane law administration prompted the gathering of advocates and officials for a roundtable discussion on animal welfare. The meeting included over 20 participants from various sectors, including humane law enforcement officers, municipal leaders, and animal rescue organizations.

Truitt highlighted the significance of the committee: "The establishment of this committee represents a significant step forward in our commitment to speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves." He stressed the importance of creating policies that reflect community values.

County Comptroller Gregg Pulver reiterated his dedication to animal protection. "While serving in the County Legislature, I remained steadfast in my commitment to protecting our most vulnerable loved ones – our animals," he said. Pulver mentioned the 'Animal Abuse Registry' as a first step towards safeguarding animals but noted the need for further solutions.

Karen LeCain from Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County pointed out resource challenges faced by local rescue groups. She hopes that through this committee, collaborative solutions can be developed to address these issues.