NY A01523

Designates the "rescue cat" as the official state cat of New York

Defines "rescue cat" as any cat of any breed or mixture of breeds that has been rescued and adopted from an animal shelter or rescue group located in the state

Aims to raise awareness about the approximately 60-100 million stray or feral cats in the United States and the 6-8 million animals entering shelters annually

Seeks to reduce euthanasia rates, noting that approximately 70% of cats entering the shelter system are euthanized

Takes effect immediately upon passage