ALBANY, NY – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris accepted the Companion Animal Champion award from the New York State Animal Protection Federation on March 3. The award recognizes Senator Gianaris’ leading efforts on a host of animal welfare issues. The Federation’s Executive Director Libby Post presented the award at the organization’s annual advocacy day at the state Capitol in Albany.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Federation for my work on behalf of our four-legged companions, but this is work that could not be accomplished alone,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. “I thank the Federation for their partnership and look forward to our continued efforts with all our allies to support animals across New York.”
“New York is lucky to have champions for our companion animals like Senator Gianaris. I am pleased to recognize him today and look forward to continuing our partnership to bring greater respect and dignity to all of New York’s animals,” said Libby Post, Executive Director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation.

Senator Gianaris authored the first-in-the-nation ban on cat declawing, which the state enacted last year. He is also the author of legislation to ban the sale of animals in pet stores, putting an end to the puppy mill to pet store pipeline, and also legislation banning the devocalization of animals.