Animal Advocacy Day at the Capital
For the past two years, we have been working with a coalition of animal and environmental protection groups on legislation that would prevent octopus farming from coming to New York. The bill has already been introduced in the State House and Senate thanks to Assemblymember Tony Simone and Senator Monica Martinez.
On April 28th, we had the opportunity to talk to legislators about the bill in person as part of the Capital’s Animal Advocacy Day. Lawmakers host this annual event for animal advocacy groups across the state to come together and showcase their work.
It was a busy day full of meetings, interviews, photo ops, and a lot of education about the harm that octopus farming would cause if it comes to our state. Coalition members and volunteers visited all 213 legislative offices to drop off fact sheets about the bill (and these very popular octopus plushies!).
We had formal meetings with four legislative offices that are key to keeping the bill moving forward. We heard from lots of staffers who told us that they are getting more calls and emails in support of an octopus farming ban than any other issue this year. If you’ve been in touch with your state reps, THANK YOU. Our grassroots efforts are really making a difference for octopus.
There’s still a little time left before the legislative session closes in June. Until then, we’ll keep you updated on any movement with the bill! Make sure you are signed up to get our emails!
