Mei Mei is finally at sanctuary!! 🙌💜 Huge thank you to everyone who donated to Mei Mei's first year of care at Foster Parrots, to JP for rescuing her and caring for her during quarantine, and to our partners at @movetheworldus for arranging her transport and forever home!

🐙 Progress for Octopuses in New York! 🐙 The NYS Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee passed A.8043B, legislation to prevent industrial octopus farming from coming to NY, with a vote of 21-9. This was the first major milestone for the bill, which now moves forward to the Rules Committee!

🎉 GREAT NEWS! VFAR's bill to ban glue traps in all New York State–owned and leased buildings has just been re-introduced! A huge thank you to Assembly Member Paula Kay for becoming the new lead sponsor and to Senator Jabari Brisport for championing this critical legislation (A10189 / S3046B).

Pets are family, and the New Yorkers who care for them deserve thoughtful, compassionate leadership. Thank you to Council Member Epstein and @speakermenin.bsky.social for establishing the Animal Welfare Caucus to help strengthen protections for animals and the communities they enrich. bit.ly/3MKFXXX

🐙 Your voice is needed NOW, New York! Tomorrow, the NYS Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation votes on A.8043 B, the bill to ban commercial octopus farming in New York. These farms trap octopuses in tiny pools, causing stress, fighting, and high mortality—they can’t explore or be social.

The launch of the Animal Welfare Caucus is a historic milestone for animals in New York City. For years, advocates and constituents have called for sustained leadership on animal protection within the Council, and this caucus creates the structure to make that work lasting and impactful.

History made for animals in New York City! 🐾 A new caucus is being formed by @speakermenin and Council Member @harveyforny in the New York City Council dedicated specifically to animal issues: the Animal Welfare Caucus. And this is exactly the kind of structural change we fight for.

Today’s article in @thecityny highlights Voters For Animal Rights and Flatbush Cats policy recommendations to Mayor Mamdani on making animal care more affordable for pet parents and rescuers — upstream strategies which would help keep animals out of shelters and together with their families.

A new proposal calls on the city to fund spay and neuter surgeries as well as low-cost veterinary clinics and pop-up pet food pantries to help keep animals with their families. www.thecity.nyc/2026/02/25/a...

❄️ BLIZZARD ALERT: NYC ❄️ A major snowstorm is set to hit New York City, with up to 2 feet of snow and dangerous wind chills expected. When temperatures plummet and snow piles up, animals are at serious risk. If you see an animal in need, don’t assume someone else will step in. That someone is you.

NYC spends far less on pet care than other cities: about $2.89 per resident, compared to $13.70 in Miami, and $14.78 in Dallas. VFAR and @flatbushcats.bsky.social have teamed up with solutions for @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social to fix this. @citylimitsnews.bsky.social citylimits.org/opinion-the-...

When your dog or cat is sick, you shouldn’t have to choose between your paycheck and getting them the care they need. 💜🐾

Council Member Harvey Epstein is taking action for animals 🐭💜 Council Member Epstein has officially re-introduced legislation, Intro 531, with CMs Farias and Louis, to ban the sale of glue traps in New York—a critical step toward ending one of the cruelest "pest" control practices still in use.

Flatbush Cats and Voters for Animal Rights last month released a policy campaign outlining their suggestions for easing the crisis, including stringently enforcing existing animal rights laws and funding affordable vet clinics and pet food pantries. www.brooklynpaper.com/animal-welfa...

Squawk! VFAR is now on @bsky.app.