City Council Speaker Julie Menin (C.D. 5) and Council Member Harvey Epstein (C.D. 2) announced March 6 that a new Animal Welfare Caucus has been formed at the City Council.

 

“Pets are family. That’s why the Council is forming its first-ever Animal Welfare Caucus, to make pet ownership more affordable and build a more compassionate city for every New Yorker, whether they have two legs or four,” they said.

 

Experts who work in the area of domestic violence have said that pet abuse can form part of coercive control and domestic abuse.

 

In 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a groundbreaking law banning wildlife hunting contests statewide. The law shields wild animals from being slaughtered for sport, and marks a major turning point for animal welfare and wildlife protection in the state, according to animal rights activists.

 

In August 2025, a Belmont man was arrested after allegedly abusing and malnourishing nine dogs. In May 2024, the owner of a pitbull which savagely attacked a cat was arrested on animal cruelty and other charges in the University Heights section of The Bronx.

 

In May 2022, 23 alleged River Park Towers gang members were charged with attempted murder, animal cruelty and other charges.  Norwood News readers weighed in on the topic of animal cruelty as part of our Inquiring Photographer series in October 2025.

 

In July 2025, as reported, then-NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced a $1 million investment in animal care centers in the City to increase capacity and hire more staff. City shelters had at one point stopped taking in abandoned animals as they were at capacity. New Yorkers are encouraged to adopt not buy.

 

For hours and services for each of ACC’s locations call (212) 788-4000, 10AM – 6PM, 7 days a week. For help, please call (212) 788-4000
email: CommunityPets@nycacc.org, nycacc.org/services/surrender.

In New York City, animal abuse can be reported by calling 311 or 911 for crimes in progress. The NYPD has an Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS) that works with the ASPCA to address and prevent animal cruelty. The ASPCA provides crucial support, including forensic evaluations and medical treatment for rescued animals.