To the editor:

We need to right a wrong that happened in county government last year. Adrian’s Law was introduced to provide protections for dogs kept tied up in extreme cold and heat without proper shelter for hours. The bill had been first introduced after the death of a dog named Adrian that was left out overnight in single digit temperatures. The sheriff endorsed the bill, and the bill was amended to make reasonable accommodations for things like hunting and farm dogs. Still, it did not pass by a single vote. Among those “no” votes was our incumbent legislator for the First District. I need your help in November to make this common sense law happen.

On July 29, I announced that, if elected, reintroducing Adrian’s Law would be one of my first actions. I’m running for Onondaga County Legislature to improve the lives of not just the voters of the first district, but for our four-legged family members as well. A measure of a society is how it cares for its most vulnerable and those that cannot speak for themselves. The summer heat reminds us that in most of Onondaga County dogs can be tied up in these dangerous conditions without recourse. The Syracuse Common Council adopted a similar measure to Adrian’s Law unanimously after the county failed to act last year. I applaud the city for acting. But Adrian was just one dog and the concerns of extreme weather are not limited to the city or only to winter.

County Legislator Chris Ryan worked hard last year on the law and addressed many concerns that were raised. Despite that, the legislation failed 8-9 when legislators like my opponent put politics over animal welfare. You will be given the choice in November to speak for all the members of your family when you vote. Together, we can try to prevent tragedies like Adrian from happening again. I ask for your support and your vote in November.

Justin Neal

Candidate, Onondaga County Legislature, District 1