FACT - Feline Advocates Coming Together

09/03/2026

I'd like to take a moment to thank Senator Jim Tedisco and his legislative director, Michael, for taking the time to meet with me today. It was a productive and pleasant discussion about my proposal for the state-wide spay/neuter program!

It is clear when talking to Senator Tedisco that he truly cares about animals and their well-being. I am grateful for the work he has done for animal welfare, and hope the recent bills he has introduced pass in this next session (i.e. a state-wide animal abuse registry and making the failure to provide food, water, and shelter a felony).

I also shared information that many people outside of the rescue community would not be aware of. This is an important part of the work I'm doing when speaking to lawmakers. Awareness is crucial to make sure things move forward. They can't fix a problem if they don't know about it!

It looks like this proposal could be making its way to the Department of Agriculture and Markets committee chairperson for further discussion. We are in the very early stages of this journey, but I think there is potential and that we're off to a good start!

Senator Tedisco and I discussed the possibility of a pilot program to see how it goes, which I fully support, and added that it should focus on high-need areas without a county shelter.

Of course, I am merely cautiously optimistic, because it will require a bill being presented and passed, as well as additional work to fully develop the program, but I know it is doable, and I have hope that more of our lawmakers will see how desperately our state needs affordable, accessible spay/neuter and move forward with this proposal.

Just in case they don't, though, there will be a petition for you to sign to show your support as we get closer to the beginning of their next session. 😉

I sincerely appreciate the support you've all given me while I do this work. A better world for animals exists, so I hope you'll all stick with me and continue signing petitions/contacting your local lawmakers to help me make that happen.

- Stephanie

09/02/2026

This is a BIG project, but when we all work together, so much can be accomplished for animals!
Your donations to our spay/neuter program are what make it possible for us to fund all the spays/neuters/vaccines/additional medical care for these cats. If you'd like to contribute toward their vet care (total number is unknown, but there are MANY from what we've been told), visit this link:
https://share.google/7DGVB5MKNXcnR3MZs

08/31/2026

If you can help Salem's Community Cats with fostering or adopting, please reach out to them! They have been helping so many cats in the area, and the need never ends!

08/30/2026

In Washington and Saratoga County, just two small counties in one state, we are seeing this happen over and over and over again. People are STARVING animals, and yet they face no real punishment. What is to deter them from doing this again?

As we've seen, many people who do this keep getting animals, even if the court has told them not to. Not only does this need to become a felony (there is a Bill addressing this that hasn't passed so far), but strict protocols must be established to enforce the court ruling and immediately remove animals found in the home.

Proper punishment and protocols to remove animals from abusers in a timely manner could create real change for animal welfare.

Keep an eye out for a petition in the near future about this case, as well as the Bill that would make this charge a felony.

08/29/2026

Another Forever Foster Update - Silky!

For those of you who don't know about Silky, here is a bit of his story:

Silky came to us after his owner passed away suddenly. He has been with us for about 4 years and is now around 10 years old.

Silky has issues with bladder stones/UTI's. The move from his home to the foster home was so stressful, and it took so long to get his bladder stone issue under control, we felt it was in his best interest to keep him in our care. He has an occasional flare up/UTI, but he is doing well on his prescription diet and is a very happy boy!

You can sponsor Silky to help us ensure he gets all the prescription food, supplements, and care he needs by clicking the Sponsor Me button on our website: https://www.felineadvocatescomingtogether.org/foreverfosters

08/26/2026

Advocacy Update:

I have been hard at work putting together a detailed proposal for a state-wide spay and neuter program. The proposal focuses on amending the current law regarding the Animal Population Control Program Fund to make it a more public-facing program. (Page one pictured.)

Next week, I'll be meeting with Senator Jim Tedisco to speak with him about it.

In my proposal, I have laid out every detail that would allow for this state-wide spay/neuter program to happen without creating an additional tax burden on New Yorkers. The fund has millions of dollars in it, and that needs to be used to benefit pet parents in a more direct way (specifically, a voucher program). Unlike other programs that only benefit those on some type of public assistance, this proposal also includes those under a certain household income, because there are many people who look like they make good money on paper, but are still struggling due to the high cost of, well, everything!

The restructuring of this law and expansion of its scope is meant to have a positive impact on pets and pet parents. If done the way I've outlined it, it should not create an excess burden to the state (likely the Department of Agriculture and Markets).

In fact, the cost-benefit analysis, based on my research of other states/counties with similar programs clearly shows that lower shelter intake numbers will save taxpayer dollars in the future.

Operating a state program is exponentially more efficient than reacting to overpopulation. New Jersey's Animal Population Control Program, which operates similarly to what I have proposed, has "relieved an enormous financial burden on local municipalities", according to their state legislative data notes.

This is the only logical next step for handling the crisis animal rescuers are facing (and have been facing for decades). We cannot adopt our way out of it. The state needs to make good use of the resources available and make it easily accessible to residents.

Once I've discussed this with Senator Tedisco and as many other Senators and Representatives I can get to speak with me, I will post a petition urging them to move forward with this amendment. I will need the support of as many New Yorkers as possible to show them how desperately needed this is and that you all support this move.

More soon!

- Stephanie

08/25/2026

Please sign and share! Having animals as prizes only supports the narrative that they are simply objects. That needs to change!

🎪 Did you know goldfish can live 10-15 years with proper care — yet most won at carnivals die within days or weeks? They're handed out in seconds based on a game outcome, not a winner's readiness to provide lifelong, species-appropriate care.

This isn't a fringe issue. Iowa, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Vermont, Connecticut, and Illinois have all moved to prohibit live animals as carnival and fair prizes — recognizing that a small, plastic tank or flower vase is not housing, and a ball toss is not adoption screening.

The practice persists because it's profitable, not because it's harmless. Animals distributed this way face inadequate transport, no veterinary guidance, and high rates of abandonment once the novelty fades.

And the companies running the country's largest midways — North American Midway Entertainment, Powers Great American Midways, Amusements of America, and Wade Shows — already have the contractual power to end it in their vendor agreements. They haven't.

SIGN THE PETITION NOW 👉 https://buff.ly/UE0dhzn

08/23/2026

I am looking for a few people to help me keep up with the advocacy topics I've been focusing on. There are multiple bills and topics that I am trying to keep up with, and that has its challenges, as I want to give my full attention to get each bill passed, but that has been tough to do.

How you can help:

- Track bills currently being discussed and keep me updated so I can ensure petitions, letters, and who they are directed toward are current.

- Research specific topics, including laws in other states.

- Track local cases so we can push for appropriate action.

- Help me get in touch with lawmakers and get them on board with my proposals.

Send an email if you can help with any of this!

Thank you for helping me advocate for animals in NYS! (NYS is just the beginning!)
- Stephanie

08/17/2026

Stop by GT Motors in Glens Falls to get a cute magnet (or two) and support our mission! Only 2 magnets have been sold, and we know we can do better than that, because there are many animal lovers in our community! 😺

Every Purchase Helps an Animal