HORSEPOWER And Other Statewide Advocates Continues to Push Legislature and Hochul Administration for Funding

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November 25, 2025

The Honorable Governor Kathy Hochul

New York State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224 

Dear Governor Hochul,

In the past several years, your steadfast support of legislation protecting equines from slaughter in the state of New York State has been appreciated and lauded around the country as unprecedented, bold and necessary.  It has led to much work being done in others states around the nation to duplicate our success.  This law, along with others, has strengthened protections for horses and other animals from abuse and neglect. These anti-cruelty statutes not only safeguard animals but also play a critical role in preventing violence that can extend to vulnerable people.

As you are well aware though, signing legislation into law is but one step in effectuating change.  We requested a meeting with your team to discuss this crucial next step that has the eyes that have garnered the eyes of the country,  but were, unfortunately denied, hence this letter to highlight that under Agriculture & Markets Law §371, law enforcement officers in New York are mandated to enforce these protections. However, during several workshops held this year with police officers across the state, a recurring concern was raised: they lack the resources necessary to properly investigate and respond to animal cruelty cases.

One of the most pressing issues is the absence of available rescues capable of handling the immediate seizure of large groups of horses, sometimes 40 or more are intercepted en-route to slaughter. Similarly, many cases of reported neglect or abuse go unaddressed due to the lack of funding and placement options. Horse rescues throughout the state are already overwhelmed with unwanted racehorses, trail horses, and retired police mounts.

On behalf of our organization and the undersigned, we respectfully request that a fund of $900,000 be made available through the Department of Agriculture & Markets to support enforcement of these anti-cruelty laws in your upcoming Executive Budget proposal. This funding would provide critical resources to assist law enforcement, ensure humane care for seized horses, and relieve the extraordinary burden placed on rescues that uphold the intent of these important laws. It would also show those who are flouting your authority and continuing to use New York as a thoroughfare to Canadien slaughterhouses, that you mean business and that the strike of your signature on a bill is not merely a pretty signature but the LAW OF THE LAND.

Thank you for your continued leadership and compassion in protecting New York’s animals and the people who work tirelessly on their behalf.

Respectfully,

Karin Spencer,

Founder, President of HORSEPOWER, Inc

Susan C. McDonough

The New York State Humane Association, Legislative Committee 

John Scheib, Partner, Scheib Associates, Inc.

Legislative Committee, New York State Humane Association

Co-Founder, Animal Cruelty Response Task Force

Susan Kayne,

Founder + CEO | Unbridled Sanctuary 

Susan Wagner,

Founder

Equine Advocates

Nanci Beyerl

Founder & Executive Director

Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc.

John Di Leonardo

President & Executive Director

Humane Long Island

Rossana Ceruzzi

Founder & President

Wildlife Freedom Foundation

Allie Taylor

President

Voters for Animal Rights

Jennifer Lilly

Begin Again Horse Rescue

Edita Birnkrant

Executive Director

NYCLASS

Elinor Molbegott, Esq

Legal Counsel/Animal Issues

Humane Society of New York

Maria "Mia" Genovesi
Director/Founder
Godspeed Horse Hostel Inc

Dr. Harold J. Hovel

New York State Humane Association, Inc.

Dianne Sestak
Sunshine Horses, Inc.

Natalie Ahwesh,

Director of State Affairs

Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy

Mary Szarek, Equestrian
281 Edgewood Ave

Tonawanda NY 14223

Phyllis Jensen, NYS Standardbred Trainer
9582 Middle Rd #30
East Concord, NY 14055

Mary McNall, 

Owner, Trainer, Manager 

Trilogy Farm,  Horsepower & More!

1769 Centerline Rd, Varysburg, NY 14167

Jackie Oliveri, Love Wild Horses Foundation, National Coordinator

547 Irene Street
South Hempstead, NY. 11550

Barbara Moore 

Equine Collaborative International 501c3

7004 Liebler Rd
Colden, NY 14033

Mary Debonis 

Mustang Valley Sanctuary 

131 Bidwell Rd 

West Fulton, NY