Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, is one of the largest independent nonprofit animal welfare organizations in New York providing shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. It is also has a formidable humane law enforcement team that responds to thousands of calls for service per year. In 2025 alone, investigators responding to nearly 3,000 calls for service, seizing more than 350 animals from unsafe conditions and making 22 arrests.
So it is no surprise that they would receive Federal Grant Money to help in that aid. On top of the State funding of $5 million in 2026 for their Humane Society, Rep. Joe Morelle (D – NY25) announced an additional $344,000 of Federal Grant Money to be allocated to Lollypop Farm in 2026 so that Lollypop can hire two additional full-time humane investigators. It will also be used to buy and upgrade critical communications equipment on-site. Officials say the grant was signed into law earlier this year as part of the Consolidated Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act.
Lollypop Farm President and CEO Alice Calabrese states, “This investment in our humane law enforcement efforts, combined with the momentum of our Kindness for All Kind campaign and the extraordinary work happening across every area of our organization, represents a powerful step forward for animals and the people who love them … Together, these efforts are strengthening our ability to provide critical care, protection and meaningful resources for our community today while building a more compassionate future for the animals and community members who depend on us.”
Reno DiDomenico, Vice President for Humane Law Enforcement, said: “Congressman Morelle’s support of Lollypop Farm represents a transformational investment in the safety and wellbeing of animals across our community. Funding will strengthen Lollypop Farm’s humane law enforcement efforts by allowing us to hire additional investigators, secure critical communications equipment, and further equip our Animal Emergency Response Team. These resources will ensure we are better prepared to respond quickly, investigate cruelty, and safeguard animal welfare throughout the Greater Rochester region.”
There is no doubt that this grant will help in enforcing much needed animal welfare protections and hold individuals accountable. Well as to the legal accountability that is available — which is pretty lenient in NY. Lollypop Farm continues to engage with others on the state level to pursue more proactive protections.
For further information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.