Avella to Host Animal Rights Forum on Jan. 17

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, will hold a forum on various animal protection issues during a hearing on Jan. 17 in Manhattan.

Residents from Avella's district, which includes Bayside, Douglaston and Little Neck, will be to discuss animal rights issues during the hearing.

The senator said he has invited numerous animal protection advocacy groups to testify at the forum.

"This public forum will be an opportunity to hear from animal protection advocates about the many ways we are failing to protect animals in this state and to discuss real solutions that will result in actual changes that impact these animals' lives," Avella said.

One of the senator's animal rights initiatives has been calling for the banning of the city's horse drawn carriages. 

The hearing will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Senate hearing room at 250 Broadway in Manhattan. For more information, call 718-357-3094.