League of Humane Voters of New York City

LOHV-NYC Endorses Elizabeth Crowley

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:25:39 -0500

The League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC) has endorsed Elizabeth Crowley for City Council in the 30th Council District, which includes Middle Village, Maspeth, Glendale, Rigewood, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven in Queens. Elizabeth is running to fill the vacancy created by indicted former Council Member Dennis Gallagher. A Special Election will be held June 3rd.

"We are so happy to have an opportunity to elect Elizabeth Crowley to the City Council! Elizabeth will be the antithesis of her predecessor, a staunch support of animal protection issues," said John Phillips, LOHV-NYC's executive director. "Elizabeth's campaign should be a priority for all animal lovers."

What You Can Do

1) Volunteer to help get Elizabeth Crowley elected! We need your help to get Elizabeth on the ballot on June 3rd. We also need to make sure that voters know there is a Special Election. For more details and to volunteer, call (718) 326-2194 and speak to Alyson Grant. Be sure to mention you're with the League.

2) Donate to LOHV-NYC and help us continue to help elect candidates to office who support animal protection issues!

Don't dogs deserve better?

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:49:49 -0500

Council Member Peter Vallone, Jr. (D-Queens) and the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC) have teamed up on a new effort to protect dogs in NYC! Vallone has introduced a bill, Intro. 545, which would ban the tethering/chaining of dogs outdoors for more than three hours in any continuous twelve hour period.

Evidence shows that tethering animals for several hours is dangerous to because it restricts their movement and can lead to death by strangulation; exposes them to risk of injury from the tether itself, attack or extreme weather; and is often accompanied by unsanitary conditions.

Dogs who are tethered for long periods of time can be victims of strangulation when they get tangled up in a chain or when they attempt to jump over a fence while chained. They have to eat, sleep, and defecate in a confined area that is often inadequately cleaned. Necks of chained dogs can become raw and infected from overly tight collars and, in some situations, collars have become embedded in their necks causing severe infection and cutting through the trachea.

Of course, tethering for long periods of time naturally also causes dogs intense psychological suffering. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association states that "Dogs are, by nature, social beings who thrive on interaction with people and other animals. ... A continuously chained dog usually becomes neurotic, anxious, and aggressive."

Take action! Here's what you can do to help.

1) Call/write to your Council Member and urge him/her to co-sponsor Council Member Vallone's Intro. 545 which would protect dogs and stop cruel continuous chaining and tethering. Need to know who your Council Member is? Call LOHV-NYC at (212) 889-0303 or visit www.humanenyc.org.

2) Call/write to Speaker Christine Quinn and urge her to support and co-sponsor Council Member Vallone's Intro. 545 and hold a hearing as soon as possible. The number for her office is (212) 788-7210. Letters should be sent to her attention at City Hall, New York, NY 10007.

3) Donate to LOHV-NYC and help us hold politicians accountable on animal protection issues!

Pets in Housing Bill April 5th Rally Re-Cap

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:22:41 -0500

This past Saturday, the League of Humane Voters of New York City, Council Member Tony Avella and nearly 200 advocates gathered on the steps of City Hall to announce Avella's submission of a Sponsor's Privilege Request asking the Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn, and Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee, Erik Dilan, to schedule a hearing on the longstanding "Pets in Housing" Bill. This legislation will clarify the rights of pet owners in multiple dwellings.

Int. 13/2006 was introduced on February 1, 2006 and will restore the original intent of the law for rental tenants in multiple dwellings by providing that once the no-pet clause is waived for one pet, the rental tenant may replace that pet or pets without being subject to eviction for violating the no-pet lease clause.

"This legislation will limit the displacement of people who move in order to keep pets and provide much needed homes for animals at shelters who might otherwise be euthanized due to the lack of available homes," stated Avella.

"However, despite the existence of 30 sponsors on this bill and two years after its introduction, the bill has yet to be scheduled for a public hearing," continued Avella. "I told my colleagues it is shameful that the real estate industry has succeeded in creating an atmosphere, through a campaign of disinformation, where we are unable to schedule a hearing on this bill."

"My colleagues and I are obligated by our position as elected officials to listen to the public's opinion on this very important issue, in addition to that of the industry -- and to listen in a public forum not just in behind the scenes visits from lobbyists whose assertions are never challenged. Therefore, after more than two years, and more given the lengthy history of this issue, I find it necessary to exercise my right to make a Sponsor's Privilege Request to demand a hearing on this legislation."

"Many New Yorkers rely on their pets for companionship. When a beloved pet dies, the last thing you want to be told is that you can't get another one," said John Phillips, executive director of the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC). "Speaker Christine Quinn ought to have a heart and pass Council Member Avella's pets in housing bill immediately."

News Articles

Advocates fight for tenant/pet rights (New York Daily News)
City Hall is urged to let pet owners stay in their apartments (New York Daily News)
Avella urges law change on pet-owner eviction (New York Sun)

Recap of the Intro 389 Press Conference

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:03:42 -0500

Today's press conference for Intro 389 was a smashing success! Nearly 100 people turned up on a work day to show their support for this important legislation. We'll be posting any news article on the press conference here in the days to come.

Check out the Gothamist.com article on the press conference here!

Pets in Housing Bill (Intro 13)

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:05:31 -0500

The pets in housing bill's back and we're going to have a hearing thanks to Council Member Tony Avella (D-Queens)! Please attend the press conference being organized by the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC) on April 5th and show your support for this bill. Details below.

As you may know, Avella's pets in housing bill would open up many new homes for animals in need of them. It would clarify the existing pet law so that the no-pet clause in a rental tenant's lease, once waived, is waived for the duration of the tenant's occupancy and not the lifetime of one pet. In other words, if your pet dies, your landlord wouldn't be able to prevent you from acquiring a new animal.

Over the past 2 years, the League of Humane Voters of New York City has been working diligently behind the scenes to build up support for the pets in housing bill, now known as Intro 13. We've lobbied hard and we've been successful at getting the support of more than a majority of Council Members: the bill now has 28 co-sponsors!

On Saturday, April 5th, at 12pm, please join the League of Humane Voters of New York City and show your support for the pets in housing bill! If you're with an animal rescue group, please bring your banner and contact us at 212-889-0303 if you're interested in speaking at the event. Everyone else, bring pictures of your pets!

The Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn, is rumored to oppose the bill, so we need hundreds of people to show up! Please, don't miss this event!

We CAN get this bill passed, but we need your help! Attend the press conference and donate to LOHV-NYC today!

Details on the press conference:

What: Press conference for the pets in housing bill, Intro 13
When: Saturday, April 5th at 12pm (don't be late!)
Where: The Steps of City Hall

Bring friends and photos of your pets!

3/18: Press Conference RE: Intro 389

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:28:54 -0500

On March 18th at 12pm, the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC) will hold a major press conference outside of Madison Square Garden, urging the City Council to pass Council Member Rosie Mendez's Intro 389! Intro 389 would end the use of elephants and other wild animals by the circus.

Former Ringling Bros. Circus employee Tom Rider (right) will be joining us at the press conference to speak about the cruelty that he witnessed first hand. We'll also be joined by representatives of the Humane Society of the United States, In Defense of Animals and other supportive animal protection organizations.

Over the past 2 years, LOHV-NYC has been educating the City Council about the plight of wild animals in the circus. Our work is paying off! Intro 389 is now a bi-partisan effort sponsored by 21 members of the 51-member Council. We're only 5 members shy of a majority of support... but we need to show that there is massive public support for this bill. Please join us at the press conference! Your attendance is crucial!

What: Press Conference in Support of Intro 389
When: Tuesday, March 18th at 12pm
Where: Madison Square Garden (33rd St. and 7th Ave., near Borders bookstore)
Why: Because Wild Animals Are Not Performers!

Mark Your Calendar! On March 20th, the day of Ringling Bros. opening show, please also call your Council Member and urge them to support Intro 389, the bill to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. Call LOHV-NYC at (212) 889-0303 if you need your Council Member's contact information.

NYC Bar Association Panel on Animal Advocacy

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:01:48 -0500

Animal Advocacy on the Local Level

Do you want to engage in animal advocacy? Why not focus right here in New York City? A panel of experts will speak on how you can effect change at the local level, what can and cannot be done by the City Council, and how it all comes together.

March 5 Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
New York City Bar Association
Stimson Room
42 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036

Moderator:

JANE HOFFMAN
Chair, Committee on Legal Issues Pertaining to Animals

Speakers:

GALE BREWER
NYC Council Member

CARTER DILLARD
Of Counsel, Humane Society of the United States

JOHN PHILLIPS
Executive Director, League of Humane Voters of New York City

PATRICK KWAN
M. Silver & Associates

Open to the public. Registration is recommended. Please register online at www.nycbar.org.

2007 Humane Scorecard Released!

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:19:06 -0500

Some City Council Members got "purrs" while others got "growls" on the 2007 City Council Humane Scorecard, released today by the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC). In the scorecard, LOHV-NYC examines the 51 Council Members' records on animal welfare issues--such as pet-friendly housing, wildlife protection, humane education, etc.--and grades them on a scale of 0 to 100. For the first year ever, LOHV-NYC's Scorecard will also track individual Council Members' funding of animal-friendly (and un-friendly) projects.

"Animal lovers will howl when they find out that Speaker Christine Quinn and 9 other members of the City Council are getting zeros on our City Council Humane Scorecard," said John Phillips, LOHV-NYC's Executive Director. "Many New Yorkers care deeply about animal welfare. Our City Council Humane Scorecard will shed light on politicians' voting records and hold them accountable to their constituents."

How did your Council Member score on animal protection issues? Find out! Download the 2007 City Council Humane Scorecard!

Six Council Members got perfect scores on this year's Humane Scorecard, including Council Members Rosie Mendez, Gale Brewer, Helen Foster, Annabel Palma, Tony Avella and Hiram Monserrate. Ten got a failing grade of 0, including Council Speaker Christine Quinn - who LOHV-NYC credits with blocking numerous animal welfare bills - and Council Members Maria Baez, Leroy Comrie, Dennis Gallagher, David Yassky, Erik Martin Dilan, Mathieu Eugene, Simcha Felder, Domenic Recchia and Vincent Ignizio.

Manhattan Council Members came out on top again this year, with an average score of 64%. The Bronx was not far behind with an average score of 60%, nearly double what it was last year. Queens came in with 41%, Brooklyn with 39% and Staten Island with 20%, down from last year's 27%. The average score for the Council as a whole was 47%, up from 38% last year.

What You Can Do

1. Pledge to vote only for candidates for office who support the welfare of animals. You can sign the pledge online at www.humanenyc.org/pledge.htm.

2. Meet with, write or call your Council Member (the number is listed next to his/her name on the scorecard page) and urge her/him to co-sponsor all of the animal protection bills in the scorecard. If your Council Member is already doing well on the scorecard, call to say "thank you." If your Council Member is one of the three supporting the carriage horse driver's rate increase (detailed in the scorecard), call and politely express your disappointment. Need help finding out who represents you? Call LOHV-NYC at 212-889-0303.

3. Please donate! This is a massive, groundbreaking project and we need your help! We plan to distribute 100,000 copies of our 2007 Humane Scorecard in 2008--but the cost is great! Please donate online to help defray the cost of mailings. You can also send a check or $0.41 stamps to LOHV-NYC / 151 First Ave., Ste. 237 / New York, NY 10003-2965.

Make a New Year's Resolution for Animals!

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:09:38 -0500

It's 2008! Are you ready for change? What better change can you ask for than stronger laws protecting the welfare of animals? This year, as every state legislator comes up for re-election, you can make a New Year's resolution to help animals. You can pledge to vote only for candidates for office who support legislation to protect animals. Click here to take the pledge.

Every year in New York City, the greatest city in the world, a city of millions of animal lovers, animals suffer needlessly. Pets are killed in taxpayer-funded shelters, the circus parades tortured elephants and other wild animals down 34th Street, overworked carriage horses pull tourists around Midtown traffic and breathe in car exhaust constantly, etc. The only way to put an end to this cruelty - once and for all - is by electing candidates to office who will work for the passage of humane legislation.

The League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC) is the only organization in the city that works exclusively year-round to make animal welfare part of the mainstream political agenda. We're out there every day fighting to hold politicians accountable and pass laws protecting animals. We need your help!

Resolutions

1. Click here pledge your vote for animals.

2. Click here to become a member of LOHV-NYC.

3. Tell 10 animal-loving friends, family members or colleagues about the pledge and encourage them to sign!

City Council hearing on humane education

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:43:09 -0500

(United Federation of Teachers' Humane Education Committee Chairwoman Sheila Schwartz, LOHV-NYC's executive director John Phillips and Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers executive director Meena Alagappan testifying before the City Council)

On Monday, LOHV-NYC executive director John Phillips testified before the City Council on the importance of humane education and urged the passage of Council Member Avella's Resolution 497, stating:

60 years after the state legislature enacted a humane education law, we wonder: What happened? This law has been forgotten or ignored. Today, few schools have anything resembling humane education. How did this happen? New York City, especially, is a city of animal lovers and pet owners. The Council has a tremendous opportunity with Resolution 497 to right this error and to help potentially millions of children and animals in the process.
... 60 years after the state legislature enacted a humane education law, we find: New Yorkers still want humane education in the classroom. We have a responsibility to our children to ensure that they have the best education possible, and that means including humane education as part of the curriculum.

John also read a statement in support prepared by Congressman Eliot Engel. Click here to read the Congressman's statement. Council Members Jackson and Vacca also spoke very highly of humane education and called for the passage of Resolution 497.

Bill to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages Introduced!

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:01:00 -0500

(LOHV-NYC executive director John Phillips speaking in support of a ban on horse-drawn carriages on Saturday. Photo by the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages.)

Breaking news: Just moments ago at City Hall, legislation - Intro 658 - was formally introduced by Council Member Tony Avella to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City!

On Saturday, more than 100 people gathered on the steps of City Hall for a press conference organized by Avella and the Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages. LOHV-NYC executive director John Phillips spoke and his message was loud and clear: we care about animals and we vote! In 2009, when the Mayor and 39 members of the City Council are term-limited out of office, LOHV-NYC is committed to electing candidates to office who support a ban on horse-drawn carriages.

It's time to put the horse-drawn carriage industry out to pasture. Take action!

1) Call your Council Member and urge him or her to support Intro 658 to ban horse-drawn carriages from New York City. Tell your Council Member's staff that horse carriages and Manhattan traffic are a dangerous and potentially fatal mix! Want to know who your Council Member is? Call us at (212) 889-0303.

2) Call Speaker Christine Quinn's office at (212) 788-7210 to leave a message for her. Ask that she re-consider her position on horse-drawn carriages and join animal groups such as the League of Humane Voters and the ASPCA in supporting Intro 658 to ban horse-drawn carriages.

Blinders: The truth behind the tradition

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:15:32 -0500

In related news... Please join us at a press conference/rally on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 12 noon as we announce Council Member Tony Avella's legislation to ban the horse-drawn carriage industry in NYC! This is an historic first. It is time we get rid of this inhumane industry in NYC and we need your help to do so. Please come to this event - bring friends, family and colleagues.

When: Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 12 noon
Where: Steps of City Hall - New York City
Who: Council Member Tony Avella; Coalition to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages; Friends of Animals; League of Humane Voters of New York City; PETA; Rational Animal; other legislators; and people who care about the carriage horses.

City Council to hold hearing on humane education

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:50:46 -0500

Since September, LOHV-NYC has campaigned on the streets of Washington Heights - home of the City Council's Education Committee Chairman - and lobbied at City Hall to bring humane education in city schools. Our hard work has paid off! On December 10, the City Council's Education Committee will hold its first hearing on humane education!

The committee will hear testimony from the city's leading experts on humane education, including Meena Alagappan, Esq. (executive director of Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers) and Sheila Schwartz (Chair of the United Federation of Teachers' Humane Education Committee). The committee will also hear testimony from LOHV-NYC's executive director John Phillips.

It's essential that City Hall be packed with humane education advocates! The hearing will be immediately preceded by a press conference on the City Hall steps. Please attend! With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of countless children and animals.

What: Press conference & hearing on humane education
Where: Steps of City Hall (press conference) and City Hall (hearing)
When: Monday, December 10 at 2pm (press conference) and 3pm (hearing)

We hope to see you there!

Thank you!

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:34:37 -0500

Wow. More than 400 people came out to support our work last night. We're still finalizing the numbers, but we raised tens of thousands of dollars to finance our programs for the next year! Thank you! Read more after the jump.

Pictured above, from left to right: Congressman Eliot Engel, our director John Phillips, State Senator Frank Padavan, Jivamukti Yoga School Managing Director Carlos Menjivar, Council Member Jimmy Vacca and Rue McClanahan. Photo by the talented Diane Cohen who donated her services for the entire evening. Keep reading for more pictures!

11/10: LOHV-NYC's 6th Anniversary Gala!

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:23:51 -0500

Join the League of Humane Voters of New York City (LOHV-NYC) as we celebrate 6 years of political action for animals!

Buy your ticket today! Click here for details.

Saturday, November 10th, 2007
8:00 p.m. ~ midnight

~ Hosted By ~
Jivamukti Yoga School
841 Broadway, 2nd floor, New York, NY
(Between 14th and 13th Streets)

~ Special Celebrity Guests ~
"Golden Girls" star Rue McClanahan, artist Peter Max, recording artist Nellie McKay, soap star Grant Aleksander and comedian Dan Piraro (list in formation)

~ Celebrating elected officials who have made significant contributions to animal welfare ~
Congressman Eliot Engel, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, State Senators Frank Padavan, Jose M. Serrano and Martin Connor, Assembly members Linda Rosenthal, Michael Benjamin and Micah Kellner and Council Members Tony Avella, Sara Gonzalez, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Jimmy Vacca and Gale Brewer (list in formation)

~ Book Signing ~
Julie Lewin will sign copies of her groundbreaking new book Get Political for Animals and Win the Laws They Need

~ Complimentary hors d'oeuvres from New York City's finest vegan restaurants and cash bar featuring organic wines and beers ~

~ Corporate Sponsors ~
Candle Cafe, Counter Restaurant and Wine Bar, Cynthia King Dance Studio, Jivamukti Yoga Studio, MooShoes, Tastee Vegan, Turtle Mountain's So Delicious, Whole Earth Bakery & Kitchen, Madras Cafe, Vegetarian's Paradise 2 & Carbon Based Cookies (list in formation)

~ Host Committee ~
Meena Alagappan, Joy Askew, Garo Alexanian, Marty Algaze, Helen Bala, Josephine Bellaccomo, Chloe Jo Berman, Susan Brandt, Jenny Brown, Maryanne Byington, Lawrence Carter-Long, Catherine Clyne, Hon. Danny Dromm, Len Egert, Daniel Elstein, Prof. Julian Franklin, Deborah Gavito, Brad Goldberg, Hon. Lewis Goldstein, Doug Greene, Jane Hoffman, Laura Imperiale, Steve Kaufman, Cynthia King, Patrick Kwan, Olivia Lane, Aubrey Lees, Julie Lewin, Mary Max, Dirk McCall, Zenobia McNally, Marisa Miller Wolfson, Elinor Molbegott, Joy Pierson, Andy Praschak, Harriet Putterman, John Phillips, Bart Potenza, Sherry Ramsey, Martin Rowe, Pamela Rice, Jamin Sewell, Michael Schweinsburg, Paul Shapiro, Valerie Sicignano, David Silversmith, Peter Silvestri, Hon. Jerry Simonelli, Julia Szabo, Amy Trakinski, Veronica Vera, Lisa Virgona, Diane West and the Hon. Bob Zuckerman

~ Note on Attire ~
Cocktail attire. Please, no furs. And, wear your most festive socks! Shoes must be removed at the door to the Yoga studio.

Pictured above: Nellie McKay performs at our 5th anniversary gala; "Golden Girls" star Rue McClanahan; State Senator Frank Padavan receives our 2006 Humane Legislator Award from LOHV-NYC exec. director John Phillips.