City of New York - Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare

In 2015, a position was created within the Mayor’s Office that would serve as a dedicated liaison between City Hall and the animal advocacy community. In November 2019, this position became permanent with the creation of an Office of Animal Welfare – the first office of its kind in the United States. This law went into effect on March 25, 2020. As stated in [Chapter 23 of the New York City Charter](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCcharter/0-0-0-2137), the Office has the power to advise and assist the Mayor in the coordination and cooperation among City agencies that are involved in animal welfare administration, regulation, management or programs. The Office of Animal Welfare is a Mayoral office within the [Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit](https://www.nyc.gov/site/cau/index.page) that, recognizing the many connections between human and (non-human) animal well-being, aims to foster a more humane city for all.