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More than 150 animal lovers testify at NYC Council hearing on shelter overcrowding
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Sep 14, 2024
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By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Sep 14, 2024
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Animal lovers sporting green shirts emblazoned with "I Cat NY" packed the New York City Council's chambers on Friday, demanding a solution to overcrowding issues at animal centers citywide.
More than 150 of them testified at a Council hearing about the urgent state of pets and strays in the shelter system.
The nonprofit Animal Care Centers of New York led the testimony, and cited restrictive housing policies that forbid pets, charge fees, or forbid animals above a certain size. Michelle Villagomez, senior New York City legislative director at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said there were myriad reasons why New Yorkers are forced to give up their pets, including the rising costs of veterinary services and pet food.
“ACC needs more support from the city,” Villagomez said in her testimony. “The takeaway is that it’s not enough.”
Animal Care Centers receives millions of dollars in city funding for taking in any animal, regardless of age or health. In the last five years, the city has also funded new shelter facilities in the Bronx, Staten Island and most recently in Queens. The Queens shelter, which opened in late July, is already over capacity. And although it has facilities in all five boroughs, the beleaguered animal shelter system is unable to meet demand and is so overcrowded that dogs are placed in offices and hallways. Administrators have discouraged the public from bringing pets to the shelters because of the conditions, but have continued to take in more animals.
“Adoption alone won’t solve the problem,” said Risa Weinstock, CEO of Animal Care Centers.
Witnesses wearing "I cat NY" t-shirts testify at a New York City Council hearing on Sept. 13, 2024.
Animal rescuers are calling on the city to fund more programs like trap, neuter and release to control the stray animal population, which rose nearly 10% in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from Animal Care Centers.
Advocates also called on legislators to pass more pet-friendly housing laws. Because many New York City apartment buildings prohibit certain dog breeds and dogs that exceed a certain weight, placing large dogs in homes is especially difficult.
Pet owners say their inability to afford veterinary services is a top reason why they surrender their furry companions. So far this year, Animal Care Centers has been able to keep some pets with their families by offering food and medical services. But the organization says it only has the capacity to help about a fifth of the animals.
Animal shelters and rescuers reported at Friday's hearing that free and subsidized veterinary services are often completely booked within minutes of opening.
Tagged
new york city
City Council
animals
Politics
Rosemary Misdary
Rosemary is health & science reporter. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 646-544-9524.
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