The citymeetings.nyc logo showing a pigeon at a podium with a microphone.

citymeetings.nyc

Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.

New York City Council

Committee on Health

Sep 13, 2024

·

10:00 AM

7 hr 58 min

Summary

A hearing on the state of animal rescue in New York City focusing on challenges facing animal shelters, rescue organizations, and pet owners.

Key issues discussed included:

  • Shelter overcrowding.
  • Lack of affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter services.
  • Rising costs of pet care
  • Shortage of pet-friendly housing
  • The need for better coordination on animal welfare issues.

The council emphasized the need for city-funded, high-volume, low-cost or free spay/neuter services as a critical solution to reduce shelter populations.

Other topics included feral cat management, improving animal cruelty enforcement, and the potential creation of a dedicated city department for animal welfare.

Features testimony from the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare, Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and extensive public testimony from rescue organizations and individual rescuers.

Meeting chapters

Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.

REMARKS

Council Member Lynn Schulman opens the hearing with a dedication

Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the NYC Council's Committee on Health, opens the hearing on the State of Animal Rescue in New York City. She dedicates the hearing to …

0:00:19

·

27 sec

REMARKS

Overview of the hearing agenda and Introduction 1018

Council Member Schulman provides an overview of the hearing's agenda, including the discussion of Introduction 1018 and the current state of animal rescue in New York City. She outlines the …

0:00:46

·

97 sec

REMARKS

Current state of animal rescue and adoption trends in NYC

Council Member Schulman discusses the alarming trends in pet surrenders and adoptions in New York City over the past few years, highlighting the challenges faced by animal rescue organizations. - …

0:02:24

·

42 sec

REMARKS

ACC's critical role and challenges in animal care

Council Member Schulman highlights the crucial role of Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) in managing animal intake, providing shelter, and finding homes for animals in need. She also addresses …

0:03:07

·

27 sec

REMARKS

Recognition of rescue organizations and their challenges

Council Member Schulman acknowledges the numerous rescue organizations and independent rescuers in New York City, emphasizing their invaluable contributions and the challenges they face. - Recognition of various rescue organizations …

0:03:34

·

49 sec

REMARKS

Challenges in animal welfare: rising veterinary care costs

Council Member Schulman addresses the significant challenges in animal welfare, focusing on the rising costs of veterinary care and its impact on pet ownership and adoption rates in New York …

0:04:24

·

53 sec

REMARKS

Housing challenges leading to pet surrenders

Council Member Schulman highlights the growing problem of pet surrenders due to housing challenges in New York City, emphasizing the difficult choices pet owners face. - Increasing difficulty in finding …

0:05:18

·

24 sec

REMARKS

Funding disparities for animal welfare in NYC

Council Member Schulman addresses the funding disparities for animal welfare in New York City compared to other major cities, emphasizing the need for increased resources and innovative solutions. - NYC's …

0:05:42

·

30 sec

REMARKS

Conclusion and acknowledgments

Council Member Schulman concludes her opening remarks by thanking participants and setting expectations for the hearing proceedings. - Acknowledgment of administration members, ACC, organizations, and animal advocates present - Request …

0:06:13

·

30 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Justin Brannan's remarks on animal welfare and legislation

Council Member Justin Brannan delivers passionate remarks on the importance of animal welfare in New York City. He emphasizes the need for better treatment of animals, discusses his personal commitment …

0:06:43

·

163 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction to the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare

Alexandra Silver introduces herself as the director of the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare and provides background on the office's establishment and role. - The Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare …

0:10:58

·

63 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Challenges facing animal shelters and rescues in NYC

Alexandra Silver outlines the challenges faced by animal shelters, rescue groups, and individual rescuers in New York City, emphasizing that these issues reflect broader societal problems. - Financial pressures and …

0:12:02

·

45 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Animal Care Centers (ACC) of NYC and its role

Alexandra Silver introduces Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and its crucial role in the city's animal welfare efforts. - ACC is contracted by the NYC health department to operate …

0:12:48

·

40 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Administration's efforts to promote pet adoption and fostering

Alexandra Silver details the Adams administration's commitment to promoting pet adoption and fostering in New York City. - Sharing information about adoption and fostering opportunities through various channels - Including …

0:13:31

·

41 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Opening of new ACC shelter in Queens and ongoing construction/renovation of other facilities

Alexandra Silver discusses the recent opening of the new ACC shelter in Queens and provides updates on ongoing construction and renovation projects for ACC facilities across New York City. - …

0:14:13

·

142 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Importance of keeping pets and people together and addressing housing challenges

Alexandra Silver emphasizes the importance of keeping pets and people together, discussing various initiatives and efforts to address housing challenges for pet owners in New York City. - Focus on …

0:16:36

·

159 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Community cats and Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs

Alexandra Silver addresses the issue of community cats in New York City and discusses efforts to manage their population through Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs. - Community cats are present in NYCHA …

0:19:17

·

68 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Access to affordable veterinary care and workforce shortage

Alexandra Silver discusses the challenges of access to affordable veterinary care and the veterinary workforce shortage in New York City. - Recognition of the nationwide challenge of high costs of …

0:20:26

·

50 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Efforts to enhance diversity in the veterinary profession

Alexandra Silver briefly mentions efforts to enhance diversity within the veterinary profession in New York City. - Mayor Adams met with a Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine student …

0:21:18

·

20 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Support for animal rescue organizations

Alexandra Silver outlines plans to provide support for animal rescue organizations in New York City. - Plans to sponsor capacity building workshops and trainings for animal rescue organizations - Aim …

0:21:39

·

44 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Legislation on animal sales and conclusion

Alexandra Silver discusses recent and proposed legislation related to animal sales in New York City and concludes her testimony. - Mention of New York State legislation prohibiting the sale of …

0:22:24

·

51 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Introduction and background of Animal Care Centers of NYC

Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC), introduces herself and provides background on ACC. She thanks the city council, administration, and Department of …

0:23:26

·

90 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

ACC's role as an open admission organization

ACC is described as the only open admission animal welfare organization in New York City, accepting all animals brought to them regardless of circumstances. - ACC has taken in over …

0:24:57

·

43 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Current challenges facing animal shelters in NYC

Animal shelters in NYC are facing numerous post-COVID challenges that are negatively impacting animal welfare. These challenges require community support and collaboration to address effectively. - Main drivers of animal …

0:25:42

·

3 min

AGENCY TESTIMONY

ACC's efforts to address challenges and support pet owners

ACC has implemented various programs and resources to address the challenges facing animal welfare in NYC and to support pet owners. - ACC offers a surrender prevention program with various …

0:28:43

·

42 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

New ACC facilities and renovations across NYC

ACC is expanding and improving its facilities across New York City to better serve animals and the community. - The Paul Avolon Queens Animal Care Center has officially opened, featuring …

0:29:26

·

102 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

Invitation to council members and closing remarks

Risa Weinstock concludes her testimony by inviting council members to engage with ACC's work and reiterating ACC's commitment to ending animal homelessness in NYC. - Council members are invited to …

0:31:09

·

61 sec

AGENCY TESTIMONY

NYC Health Department's role in animal welfare and support for Introduction 1018

Corinne Schiff, Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Health at the NYC Health Department, testifies about the department's responsibilities in animal welfare and expresses support for Introduction 1018, which aligns local law …

0:32:19

·

162 sec

Q&A

Introduction and discussion of the new ACC Paul Vallone Center

Council Member Schulman introduces the topic by mentioning her visit to the new Paul Vallone Center and the need to address overcrowding. She then asks about the Department of Health …

0:35:09

·

54 sec

Q&A

DOHMH's role in evaluating animal welfare and public health

Council Member Schulman inquires about the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's role in evaluating the relationship between animal welfare and public health in New York City. Commissioner Schiff responds …

0:36:03

·

52 sec

Q&A

DOHMH's role in public education on responsible pet ownership

Council Member Schulman inquires about the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's role in educating the public about responsible pet ownership, adoption, and available resources. Commissioner Schiff highlights their educational …

0:36:56

·

39 sec

Q&A

Discussion of the animal adoption process and potential improvements

Council Member Schulman initiates a discussion about the animal adoption process, asking how it works and if there are ways to make it easier. Risa Weinstock from Animal Care Centers …

0:37:36

·

82 sec

REMARKS

Suggestions for improving the adoption process and inquiry about fostering

Council Member Schulman suggests exploring technological improvements to streamline the adoption process. She also inquires about the fostering process, asking for an explanation of what fostering means, the responsibilities involved, …

0:38:59

·

20 sec

Q&A

Further discussion on adoption processes and suggestion for improvements

Alexandra Silver from the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare provides additional insights on adoption processes and philosophies, emphasizing the 'open adoption' approach. Council Member Schulman suggests forming a task force …

0:39:20

·

98 sec

Q&A

DOHMH's enforcement of pet shop laws and regulations

Council Member Schulman inquires about the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's enforcement of New York City's pet shop laws. Commissioner Schiff explains the department's role in permitting and inspecting …

0:41:01

·

70 sec

Q&A

Effectiveness of the guinea pig bill in reducing shelter populations

Council Member Schulman discusses the effectiveness of the recently passed guinea pig bill, which prohibited the sale of guinea pigs in pet shops. Risa Weinstock from Animal Care Centers of …

0:42:11

·

53 sec

Q&A

Tracking compliance with pet laws and reporting non-compliant pet shops

Council Member Schulman inquires about how the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tracks compliance with pet laws and how citizens can report non-compliant pet shops. Commissioner Schiff explains the …

0:43:05

·

60 sec

Q&A

Discussion on spay/neuter requirements and DOHMH enforcement

Council Member Schulman questions DOHMH officials about the enforcement of Local Law 59 of 2011, which requires free-roaming cats to be spayed or neutered. The discussion reveals that while DOHMH …

0:44:07

·

164 sec

Q&A

Low-cost spay/neuter services and shelter intake statistics

Council Member Schulman inquires about low-cost spay/neuter services provided by the city and discusses shelter intake statistics for unaltered animals. The Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare mentions plans for outreach …

0:46:52

·

139 sec

Q&A

Enforcement of animal welfare regulations and pet sales

Council Member Schulman questions DOHMH officials about enforcement of various animal welfare regulations, including unlawful breeding, housing animals for sale, and pet shop compliance. The discussion reveals challenges in enforcement …

0:49:11

·

3 min

Q&A

DOHMH oversight of pet sales and upcoming regulatory changes

Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's role in regulating pet sales, including permitted facilities, monitoring of bans on certain animal sales, and plans for enforcing upcoming legislation. DOHMH officials provide …

0:52:47

·

144 sec

Q&A

ACC shelter capacity and borough breakdown

Council Member Schulman inquires about the capacity of ACC shelters across boroughs. Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of Animal Care Centers of New York City, explains that capacity involves more …

0:55:11

·

129 sec

Q&A

Long-term shelter residents and adoption challenges

Council Member Schulman inquires about animals in ACC's care for extended periods and adoption challenges. Risa Weinstock discusses the trends and efforts to find homes for these animals. - Long-term …

0:57:20

·

92 sec

Q&A

ACC's surrender prevention program

Council Member Schulman inquires about ACC's program to help people keep their animals. Risa Weinstock explains the surrender prevention counseling process and its success. - The program is part of …

0:58:53

·

171 sec

Q&A

Management of exotic pets and senior animals at ACC

Council Member Schulman inquires about ACC's handling of exotic pets and care protocols for senior animals. Risa Weinstock and Alexandra Silver provide insights on both topics. - Exotic animals are …

1:01:45

·

142 sec

Q&A

Potential partnerships for pet adoption and veterinary staffing

Council Member Schulman inquires about potential partnerships with other agencies for pet adoption and ACC's veterinary staffing situation. Risa Weinstock and Alexandra Silver provide insights on both topics. - ACC …

1:04:07

·

3 min

Q&A

ACC volunteer recruitment and spay/neuter services

Council Member Schulman inquires about ACC's volunteer recruitment strategies and spay/neuter services. Risa Weinstock provides information on both topics. - ACC holds regular volunteer orientations and has a dedicated volunteer …

1:07:15

·

126 sec

Q&A

ACC involvement in trap-neuter-return programs

Council Member Schulman inquires about ACC's involvement in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for managing the feral cat population. Risa Weinstock provides a brief response. - ACC does not have a robust …

1:09:22

·

58 sec

Q&A

Discussion on city funding for spay/neuter services

Council Member Justin Brannan inquires about the city's spending on spay/neuter services. Deputy Commissioner Corinne Schiff explains that the city has a $3 million contract over 6 years to provide …

1:10:21

·

168 sec

REMARKS

Challenges in budget negotiations for animal welfare services

Council Member Justin Brannan addresses the difficulties in securing funding for animal welfare services during budget negotiations. He emphasizes the need for better communication and alignment between city agencies and …

1:13:09

·

113 sec

Q&A

Interagency collaboration on animal welfare issues

Alexandra Silver, Director of the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare, discusses the importance of interagency collaboration in addressing animal welfare issues. She highlights how animal welfare intersects with the work …

1:15:04

·

80 sec

Q&A

Reasons for shelter overcrowding and pet surrenders

Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of Animal Care Centers of New York City, discusses the various reasons for shelter overcrowding and pet surrenders. Financial issues and housing restrictions are identified …

1:16:25

·

4 min

Q&A

Animal cruelty enforcement and NYPD-ASPCA partnership

Alexandra Silver, Director of the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare, explains the current structure of animal cruelty enforcement in New York City. She discusses the partnership between the NYPD and …

1:20:59

·

143 sec

Q&A

Progress in prosecuting animal cruelty cases and the animal abuse registry

Council Member Justin Brannan inquires about the progress in prosecuting animal cruelty cases and the implementation of the animal abuse registry. Alexandra Silver provides information on both topics, though some …

1:23:22

·

113 sec

Q&A

Council Member Marmorato inquires about mosquito spraying effects on pets

Council Member Kristy Marmorato raises concerns about the potential effects of mosquito spraying on pets and community cats. Deputy Commissioner Corinne Schiff responds, explaining the West Nile virus prevention program …

1:25:15

·

166 sec

Q&A

Confusion over reporting animal abuse through 311 and 911

Council Member Ariola questions city officials about the process of reporting animal abuse through 311 and 911. There is confusion and disagreement about how these reports are handled and routed. …

1:28:04

·

125 sec

Q&A

Inquiry into budgets and staffing of animal welfare agencies

Council Member Ariola questions representatives from the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) about their budgets and …

1:30:09

·

149 sec

Q&A

Scrutiny of ACC's budget allocation and administrative costs

Council Member Ariola presses ACC's CEO Risa Weinstock on the allocation of their $33,500,000 budget, particularly focusing on administrative costs. - Weinstock states a 'very small percentage' goes to administrative …

1:32:41

·

78 sec

Q&A

Concerns over interagency collaboration in exotic animal abandonment case

Council Member Ariola questions agency representatives about their collaboration with other city agencies and their response to a case of exotic animal abandonment and torture in her district. - Ariola …

1:33:59

·

80 sec

Q&A

Examination of agency relationships with rescuers and TNR involvement

Council Member Ariola questions agency representatives about their relationships with rescue organizations and their involvement in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. - The Office of Animal Welfare collaborates with individual rescuers and …

1:35:19

·

161 sec

Q&A

Inquiry into migrant base camp impact and criticism of agency performance

Council Member Ariola questions the impact of a recently opened migrant base camp on local animals and criticizes the overall performance of animal welfare agencies. - Ariola asks about agency …

1:38:01

·

85 sec

REMARKS

Council member expresses frustration with city's animal welfare efforts

Council Member Robert F. Holden opens by expressing deep frustration with the city's handling of animal welfare issues. He criticizes the lack of progress and effectiveness in addressing animal-related concerns …

1:40:16

·

62 sec

Q&A

Concerns raised about insufficient staffing and budget for animal welfare

Council Member Holden expresses frustration over the lack of transparency and apparent understaffing in city offices responsible for animal welfare. He criticizes the health department and the mayor's office for …

1:41:18

·

60 sec

Q&A

Questions raised about inspections of live markets and horse carriage stables

Council Member Holden inquires about the city's involvement in inspecting live markets and horse carriage stables. The discussion reveals gaps in the city's oversight and enforcement of animal welfare in …

1:42:18

·

105 sec

REMARKS

Concerns about shelter overcrowding and lack of spay/neuter services

Council Member Holden addresses the issues of overcrowding in animal shelters and the lack of sufficient spay/neuter services in New York City. He criticizes the city's response to these problems, …

1:44:35

·

81 sec

Q&A

Discussion on Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare efforts and coordination

The final segment of the discussion focuses on the efforts of the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare to address animal-related issues in New York City. Council Member Holden questions the …

1:45:56

·

65 sec

Q&A

ACC's educational programs for children about pet care

Council Member Brewer relays a question from Council Member Susan Zwang about ACC's educational programs for children regarding pet care. Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of ACC, responds by explaining …

1:47:02

·

55 sec

Q&A

ACC's mobile unit services and efforts to lower veterinary costs

Council Member Brewer discusses ACC's mobile unit services and efforts to address the high cost of veterinary care. She mentions the mobile unit visiting her district office and her outreach …

1:47:58

·

53 sec

Q&A

Cost comparison of shelter care vs. surrender prevention efforts

Council Member Brewer inquires about the cost of sheltering animals compared to surrender prevention efforts. Risa Weinstock from ACC provides information on the varying costs of surrender prevention measures. - …

1:48:51

·

117 sec

Q&A

ACC's budget allocation from the Department of Health

Council Member Brewer inquires about ACC's budget allocation from the Department of Health and whether it's adequate. Corinne Schiff from the NYC Health Department provides information on the budget and …

1:50:48

·

88 sec

Q&A

Role of private sector and city funding for low-cost spay/neuter services

Council Member Brewer questions the reliance on the private sector for animal welfare efforts and inquires about city funding for low-cost spay/neuter services. Corinne Schiff from the NYC Health Department …

1:52:16

·

44 sec

Q&A

Barriers to pet ownership and reasons for animal surrenders

Council Member Brewer inquires about the barriers to pet ownership and reasons for animal surrenders. Alexandra Silver from the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare provides insights into the complex and …

1:53:00

·

96 sec

Q&A

Number of DOHMH staff focused on animal welfare issues

Council Member Brewer inquires about the number of Department of Health staff focused on animal welfare issues. Corinne Schiff from the NYC Health Department provides information on staffing levels. - …

1:54:37

·

46 sec

Q&A

Regulations and responsibilities regarding live animal markets

Council Member Schulman inquires about the regulations and responsibilities regarding live animal markets, particularly the division of authority between city and state agencies. Corinne Schiff from the NYC Health Department …

1:55:23

·

53 sec

REMARKS

Council member's closing remarks on ACC and DOHMH's preparedness

Council Member Schulman delivers closing remarks, expressing appreciation for ACC's efforts while also voicing disappointment with DOHMH's level of preparedness for the hearing. - The council member acknowledges that ACC …

1:56:16

·

60 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Michelle Villagomez, Senior Director for Government Relations at American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Michelle Villagomez from the ASPCA presented testimony on the challenges facing animal shelters and the need for comprehensive surrender prevention programs. She emphasized the importance of affordable veterinary services, pet-friendly …

2:11:49

·

145 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Delores Deferrari, Senior Director of Operations at American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Delores Deferrari from ASPCA discusses the organization's efforts to provide affordable veterinary care in New York City, highlighting the opening of new community clinics and the challenges faced in meeting …

2:14:19

·

132 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Matt Goldweber, Senior Program Manager of American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) on Surrender Prevention Programs and Animal Welfare

Matt Goldweber, Senior Program Manager at ASPCA, testifies about the importance of surrender prevention programs and the ASPCA's efforts in keeping pets and people together. He highlights the critical role …

2:16:33

·

125 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lucy Jaton, Manager for Training and Education of Community Cats at ASPCA

Lucy Jaton, representing the ASPCA, highlights the urgent need for increased funding, access to affordable veterinary care, and support for organizations helping vulnerable cats in New York City. She describes …

2:18:41

·

129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Rena Lafaille, Director of Administration at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Rena Lafaille, representing the ASPCA, provided testimony on the state of animal rescue in New York City, highlighting the challenges faced by shelters and rescues, and the ASPCA's partnership with …

2:20:53

·

139 sec

Q&A

Council Member Brewer inquires about reducing animal shelter populations

Council Member Gale A. Brewer asks representatives from animal welfare organizations about barriers to reducing the number of animals in shelters and potential legislative solutions to address this issue. - …

2:23:15

·

62 sec

Q&A

Council Member Holden discusses rescue capacity and funding with ASPCA representatives

Council Member Robert F. Holden engages in a discussion with ASPCA representatives about rescue capacity and funding. He inquires about the discrepancy between the number of potential rescuers and active …

2:24:24

·

97 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Ariola discusses funding for animal services

Council Member Joann Ariola expresses gratitude for the work done for animals and shares information about her office's funding for animal services. She mentions that her office and Council Member …

2:26:14

·

40 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Dr. Lashrol Ball, Director of Surgery at Flatbush Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Lashrol Ball, Director of Surgery at Flatbush Veterinary Clinic, testifies about the challenges and importance of high-volume spay/neuter services in New York City. She emphasizes the need for increased …

2:27:36

·

119 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Matt Miller, Veterinarian at Muddy Paws Rescue

Matt Miller, a veterinarian with Muddy Paws Rescue, testified about the challenges in animal welfare in New York City, focusing on overpopulation and access to veterinary care. He emphasized the …

2:29:37

·

144 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Dr. Natara Loose, Veterinarian at Neighborhood Vet and Founder of Small Bites Rescue

Dr. Natara Loose, a veterinarian and rescue founder, testifies about the impact of corporate takeover of veterinary practices on pet ownership and animal welfare. She highlights the increasing costs of …

2:32:04

·

135 sec

Q&A

Discussion on lack of spay/neuter training in veterinary schools

Council members engage in a Q&A session with veterinarians about the limited spay/neuter training provided in veterinary schools. The discussion reveals that most veterinary students are only guaranteed to perform …

2:34:20

·

90 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Isabel Klee, Animal Rescue Advocate

Isabel Klee, an experienced animal rescue advocate, provides testimony defending the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and highlighting the challenges faced by open intake shelters. She emphasizes the need …

2:37:14

·

129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Justin De Sola, CEO of Astoria Animal Society, on Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services

Justin De Sola, CEO of Astoria Animal Society, testified about their low-cost spay/neuter services and the need for additional funding to expand their operations. He emphasized the high demand for …

2:39:27

·

65 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Allie Taylor, President of Voters for Animal Rights, on Animal Rescue Challenges in NYC

Allie Taylor, President of Voters for Animal Rights, testifies about the urgent need for increased funding and support for animal rescue efforts in New York City. She emphasizes the importance …

2:40:33

·

4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Heidi Systo, Cat Rescuer and Social Media Influencer

Heidi Systo, a Brooklyn resident for 15 years, shares her experience as a cat rescuer who has turned her passion into a full-time job through social media influence. She highlights …

2:44:58

·

101 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Rachael Ziering, Founding Executive Director of Muddy Paws Rescue

Rachael Ziering, Founding Executive Director of Muddy Paws Rescue, testified about their work as a foster-based dog rescue group and ACC partner. She highlighted challenges in spay/neuter services and adoption …

2:46:43

·

146 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Will Zweigart, Founder and Executive Director of Flatbush Cats

Will Zweigart, founder of Flatbush Cats, testified about the urgent need for affordable spay/neuter services in New York City to reduce shelter overcrowding. He emphasized that affordability is the main …

2:49:15

·

129 sec

REMARKS

Council member praises Flatbush Cats and plans similar initiative for Queens

Council Member Lynn C. Schulman expresses her admiration for Flatbush Cats' business model and commits to bringing a similar initiative to Queens. She mentions partnering with Council Member Ariola and …

2:51:25

·

40 sec

Q&A

Council member questions Allie Taylor about DOH responses

Council Member Schulman asks Allie Taylor, President of Voters for Animal Rights, to comment on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DOHMH) responses during the hearing. Taylor expresses disappointment …

2:52:06

·

82 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Holden expresses gratitude to animal welfare advocates

Council Member Robert F. Holden expresses his deep appreciation for the dedication and work of the panelists in animal welfare. He specifically acknowledges Heidi's lifelong dedication and Will's impressive spay/neuter …

2:53:30

·

28 sec

Q&A

Discussion on spay/neuter projections and budget implications

Council Member Holden and Will Zweigart discuss the projected numbers for spay/neuter surgeries and their potential impact. Will reveals that the actual need is even higher than initially stated. - …

2:53:59

·

33 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Tanya Copeland, Co-founder and President of Bronx Community Cats

Tanya Copeland, representing Bronx Community Cats, presented the organization's achievements in spaying and neutering cats in the Bronx, emphasizing the urgent need for more accessible and rapid spay/neuter services. She …

2:55:36

·

117 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Adia Cohen, Founder and CEO of Bronx Dog Haven

Adia Cohen, founder and CEO of Bronx Dog Haven, presented testimony about her organization's work in providing resources and support for pet owners in the Bronx. She highlighted their efforts …

2:57:37

·

113 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Stewart Mitchell, Animal Rights Activist from Brooklyn

Stewart Mitchell, an animal rights activist and cat owner from Brooklyn, urges the New York City Council to allocate substantial funding for high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter services and affordable veterinary care. …

2:59:34

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Samantha Knox, Director of Itty Bitty City Kitties on Animal Welfare in Rockaway Beach

Samantha Knox, Director of Itty Bitty City Kitties, testifies about the urgent need for affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter services in Rockaway Beach, Queens. She highlights how the lack of …

3:02:41

·

123 sec

Q&A

Council member questions ACC's spay/neuter practices

Council Member Joann Ariola thanks Samantha Knox for her testimony and commends her rescue work. She then questions Knox about the Animal Care Centers of NYC's (ACC) claim that all …

3:04:47

·

63 sec

Q&A

Council member inquires about discrepancies in official testimonies

Council Member Ariola asks Samantha Knox about other discrepancies she noticed in the testimonies from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Mayor's office, and ACC. - Knox highlights …

3:05:49

·

41 sec

REMARKS

Council member emphasizes the need for free spay/neuter services

Council Member Ariola concludes by emphasizing the importance of spay/neuter services in addressing animal overpopulation and abandonment issues in New York City. - She stresses the need for free spay/neuter …

3:06:32

·

47 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Libby Post, Executive Director of New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF)

Libby Post, Executive Director of NYSAPF, addressed the challenges facing animal shelters in New York City and statewide. She highlighted recent legislative victories, ongoing initiatives, and the need for increased …

3:07:24

·

4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Latonya "Sassee" Walker, Independent Animal Rescuer from Brooklyn

Latonya "Sassee" Walker, an independent animal rescuer from Brooklyn, shares her experience and challenges in animal rescue work. She emphasizes the need for more support and resources in low-income areas, …

3:11:47

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mia (Anamaria) Scuric, Representative of Astoria Cat Rescue

Mia Scuric from Astoria Cat Rescue describes the daily challenges faced by her organization in rescuing and caring for cats in Astoria. She emphasizes the urgent need for increased city …

3:35:05

·

139 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Animal Welfare Advocate on NYC Animal Shelter Issues

An experienced animal welfare advocate shares their concerns about ongoing issues in NYC animal shelters, particularly the problem of pet abandonment and the need for more spay/neuter services. The speaker …

3:37:39

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Victoria Koulouris, President and Founder of LIC Feral Feeders And Cat Rescue Corp.

Victoria Koulouris, representing LIC Feral Feeders And Cat Rescue Corp., testifies about the severe crisis of homeless cat populations in New York City and urges for city-wide solutions including accessible …

3:41:10

·

92 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jennifer Brooks, President of New York City Second Chance Animal Rescue

Jennifer Brooks, President of New York City Second Chance Animal Rescue, testified about the challenges facing animal welfare in NYC and the need for increased support and resources. She highlighted …

3:42:46

·

105 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jannatul Ahmed, Director of Operations at Long Island City Feral Feeders

Jannatul Ahmed, Director of Operations at Long Island City Feral Feeders, testified about the urgent need for increased resources to address the cat overpopulation crisis in New York City. She …

3:44:35

·

123 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Anne Levin, Representative of Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition

Anne Levin, representing Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, presents data highlighting the inadequacy of New York City's traditional shelter system in addressing the cat population crisis. She emphasizes the vast …

3:46:42

·

123 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Schulman discusses bill on pet education in schools

Council Member Lynn C. Schulman informs the attendees about a bill she introduced last year to educate students in schools about pet ownership and animals. She mentions this in the …

3:48:45

·

49 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Marlan Roberts, Executive Director of New York Lifesaving Center at Best Friends Animal Society

Marlan Roberts, Executive Director of Best Friends Animal Society's New York City Life Saving Center, testified in support of Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). She highlighted Best Friends' contributions …

3:51:17

·

139 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sara Naomi Lewkowicz, Co-Founder of 10 Lives Rescue, on the Impact of Private Equity on Veterinary Care Costs and Animal Overpopulation

Sara Naomi Lewkowicz, co-founder of 10 Lives Rescue, testifies about the devastating impact of private equity on veterinary care costs, contributing to the animal overpopulation crisis in New York City. …

3:53:42

·

129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS)

Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS, testified on various animal welfare issues in New York City, including support for Intro 1018, the need for low-cost veterinary services, and concerns about …

3:55:55

·

159 sec

Q&A

Council member addresses regulation of wet markets

Council Member Schulman responds to concerns about wet markets in New York City. She clarifies that wet markets are primarily regulated by the state, not the city. - Acknowledges the …

3:58:34

·

16 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Kathy Nizzari, Founder and Chair of Lights Out Coalition, on Animal Rescue and Protection

Kathy Nizzari, representing Lights Out Coalition, testified on various animal welfare issues in New York City. She expressed support for Intro 1018 and called for expanded protection of animals sold …

3:59:14

·

138 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Rio Polody, Independent Rescuer and Animal Rights Advocate

Rio Polody, an independent rescuer and animal rights advocate, shared her experiences with animal rescue and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) work spanning over 25 years. She emphasized the effectiveness of TNR in …

4:01:35

·

114 sec

Q&A

Council member questions Edita Birnkrant about animal cruelty reporting

Council Member Robert F. Holden engages in a Q&A session with Edita Birnkrant about her experiences reporting animal cruelty, particularly concerning carriage horses. Edita describes the challenges and ineffectiveness of …

4:03:45

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sarah Borok, Representative of City Veterinary Care, on behalf of Dr. Andrew Kaplan

Sarah Borok presents testimony on behalf of Dr. Andrew Kaplan, a veterinarian and founder of the Toby Project. The testimony emphasizes the importance of free and low-cost spay/neuter services and …

4:06:58

·

143 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jonlyn Freeman, Animal Welfare Advocate from Flatbush Cats

Jonlyn Freeman, an independent rescuer and volunteer for Flatbush Cats, testifies about the urgent need for increased city-funded spay/neuter programs in New York City. She highlights the overwhelming burden on …

4:10:22

·

158 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Farrah Goff, Cofounder of 10 Lives Rescue

Farrah Goff, cofounder of 10 Lives Rescue, advocates for increased affordable spay/neuter services in New York City, particularly in underserved areas like East Harlem and Upper Manhattan. She highlights the …

4:13:03

·

96 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Marie Mundaca, Volunteer at KittyKind

Marie Mundaca, a volunteer with KittyKind, testifies about the challenges faced by cat rescue organizations in New York City, particularly regarding spay/neuter services and rising veterinary costs. She emphasizes the …

4:14:45

·

107 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Manuela Senatore, Brooklyn Resident

Manuela Senatore, a Brooklyn resident, shares her personal experience caring for stray cats in her neighborhood since 2014. She describes how her initial act of kindness in feeding a few …

4:16:35

·

103 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ilene Richman, Member of the Public from Neighborhood Animal Rescue Network of Central Brooklyn (NARN-CB)

Ilene Richman, a member of the Neighborhood Animal Rescue Network of Central Brooklyn (NARN-CB), testified about the animal welfare challenges in District 36, particularly focusing on the large population of …

4:18:22

·

115 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Courtney Chandel, Cofounder of Little Wanderers NYC

Courtney Chandel, cofounder of Little Wanderers NYC, testified about the urgent need for affordable spay/neuter and veterinary services in New York City. She emphasized that animal welfare is also a …

4:21:06

·

169 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Patrice Miller, Cultural Arts Worker and Independent Rescuer from District 36

Patrice Miller, a native New Yorker and independent rescuer, shared her experience of becoming an informal resource for social workers and caretakers seeking help with animal-related issues for their clients. …

4:24:55

·

107 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Molly Caldwell, Independent Rescuer from East New York

Molly Caldwell, an independent cat rescuer from East New York, testifies about the overwhelming cat population problem in her area and the need for city-provided, low-cost spay/neuter and veterinary care …

4:26:49

·

108 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Rachel Pousson, Independent Cat Rescuer and Trap Bank Manager for Neighborhood Cats

Rachel Pousson, an independent cat rescuer and trap bank manager for Neighborhood Cats, testifies about the impact of unaffordable veterinary care and spay/neuter services, particularly on seniors. She highlights how …

4:28:39

·

136 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Megan Salerno, Operations Volunteer at Waggytail Rescue

Megan Salerno, an operations volunteer for Waggytail Rescue and independent cat rescuer, urges the NYC City Council to invest in low-cost veterinary services to address the cycle of cats and …

4:31:02

·

121 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ashley Carter, Independent Animal Rescuer from the Bronx

Ashley Carter, an independent animal rescuer from the Bronx, testifies about the challenges faced in addressing cat overpopulation and animal welfare in New York City. She highlights the lack of …

4:33:06

·

129 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Osi Kaminer, Assistant Chair of the Health and Environment Committee from Community Board 12 Manhattan

Osi Kaminer, representing Community Board 12 Manhattan, testified about the need for affordable spay/neuter and veterinary services in Washington Heights and Inwood. She highlighted the economic challenges faced by residents …

4:36:10

·

134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Betty Arce, Representative of Bronx Tails Cat Rescue

Betty Arce, representing Bronx Tails Cat Rescue, testified about the challenges faced by animal rescuers in the Bronx, particularly regarding cat overpopulation in low-income neighborhoods. She emphasized the need for …

4:38:27

·

167 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Michelle Marwitz, Founder and President of Lincoln Terrace Park Cats

Michelle Marwitz, founder of Lincoln Terrace Park Cats, testifies about the challenges faced by cat rescuers in New York City. She emphasizes the need for city-funded high-volume spay/neuter services and …

4:41:17

·

152 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lisa Lamberti, Animal Rescuer from South Brooklyn

Lisa Lamberti, an animal rescuer from South Brooklyn, testifies about her extensive rescue work and the urgent need for more support from the city for animal rescuers. She highlights the …

4:43:52

·

123 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Elizabeth Champ, Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Brooklyn Fat Cats

Elizabeth Champ, a licensed clinical social worker managing Brooklyn Fat Cats, testifies about the importance of pet ownership and the urgent need for accessible spay/neuter services in New York City. …

4:46:00

·

96 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Julia Rosman, Representative of Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition

Julia Rosman, representing Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, testified about the urgent need for accessible, low-cost spay/neuter services in New York City to address the homeless cat population. She highlighted …

4:47:42

·

148 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Beth Powers, Board Member of Positive Tails

Beth Powers, a board member of Positive Tails, testified about the urgent need for affordable veterinary care and spay/neuter services in New York City. She shared experiences from their nonprofit …

4:51:08

·

136 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Erica Kubersky, Representative of Positive Tails, on behalf of Justin Lamb, Veterinarian and Medical Director of Positive Tail Street Clinics

Erica Kubersky, representing Positive Tails, reads a letter from Justin Lamb, a veterinarian and medical director of Positive Tail Street Clinics. The testimony highlights the critical need for accessible veterinary …

4:53:27

·

101 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christina, Independent Rescuer and Colony Caretaker from Graves End, Brooklyn

Christina, an independent cat rescuer from Graves End, Brooklyn, testifies about the challenges faced by volunteer rescuers in managing stray and abandoned cats. She emphasizes the financial strain of providing …

4:55:13

·

93 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Portia Jones, Former Client and Current Volunteer of Positive Tails

Portia Jones, a transgender woman and member of the LGBT community, shares her personal experience with the lack of affordable pet care resources in underserved communities. She emphasizes the importance …

4:56:49

·

140 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Meagan Licari, President of Puppy Kitty NYCity, on Animal Rescue and Overpopulation Crisis

Meagan Licari, President of Puppy Kitty NYCity, testified on the urgent need for city-funded, high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter services to address the animal overpopulation crisis in New York City. …

4:59:14

·

132 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Becky Wisdom, President of Green Point Cats, on Animal Overpopulation Crisis and Need for Affordable Spay/Neuter Services

Becky Wisdom, President of Green Point Cats, testifies about the urgent need for affordable and accessible spay/neuter services in New York City to address the animal overpopulation crisis. She emphasizes …

5:01:30

·

134 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Ariola recounts a rescue operation story

Council Member Joann Ariola shares a personal story about a rescue operation involving Meghan, highlighting the challenges and the importance of individual rescuers when official channels fail to respond. - …

5:03:48

·

41 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Ariola expresses gratitude and support for animal rescuers

Council Member Joann Ariola expresses her appreciation for various animal rescue organizations and individuals in her district, emphasizing the crucial role they play when city agencies are overwhelmed. - She …

5:04:29

·

46 sec

REMARKS

Council Member Holden commends rescue efforts and shares personal experience

Council Member Robert F. Holden expresses gratitude for the work of not-for-profit animal rescuers, particularly Meghan from Puppy Kitty. He highlights the challenges faced by rescuers and shares a personal …

5:05:19

·

63 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by April Lang, Member of Intake Team at KittyKind

April Lang, a member of KittyKind's intake team, highlights several critical issues facing animal welfare in New York City. She shares examples of people struggling with pet care due to …

5:07:34

·

108 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Cindy Stutts, Founder of Bunnies and Beyond

Cindy Stutts, founder of Bunnies and Beyond, addresses the critical shortage of veterinary services for small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs in New York City. She emphasizes the urgent …

5:09:28

·

96 sec

Q&A

Discussion on limited veterinarians for guinea pig spay/neuter procedures

Council Member Lynn C. Schulman and Cindy Stutts discuss the scarcity of veterinarians in New York City who can perform spay/neuter procedures on guinea pigs. They clarify that there are …

5:11:04

·

22 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Chloe Rein, President of Brooklyn Kitty Committee

Chloe Rein, President of Brooklyn Kitty Committee, testified about the urgent need for affordable spay/neuter services and veterinary care in New York City. She shared her personal experience of managing …

5:11:30

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Emily Olive Pate, Animal Welfare Advocate from Harlem Animal Rescue and New York City Animal Rescue Girls

Emily Olive Pate, an animal welfare advocate working with two rescue groups, testified about the challenges of animal rescue in New York City, particularly focusing on the issues of feral …

5:14:34

·

126 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Member of Public on Cat Rescue and FIP Treatment

A member of the public shares her personal experience with rescuing a cat and the high costs associated with treating Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). She highlights the recent legalization of …

5:17:07

·

111 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Esther Regelson, Animal Rescuer

Esther Regelson, a long-time animal rescuer, testified about the challenges faced by independent rescuers in New York City. She highlighted the lack of infrastructure, space, transportation, and affordable care for …

5:20:46

·

130 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Erin Hendry, Volunteer at Ollie's Place

Erin Hendry, a volunteer at Ollie's Place in the East Village, shares her experiences and challenges faced by the all-volunteer, donation-based cat shelter. She emphasizes the importance of education, affordable …

5:23:01

·

141 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Margaret Lee, Animal Advocate

Margaret Lee, a Manhattan animal advocate, testified in support of Introduction 1018 for the rescue of cats and dogs, while also urging the council to expand their focus to other …

5:25:28

·

128 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Tony Poon, Animal Rescuer

Tony Poon, an animal rescuer, testified about the challenges faced by community cat caretakers and the need for low-cost veterinary programs. He shared personal experiences and stories highlighting the importance …

5:27:39

·

174 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jennifer Rhine, Representative of For Animals Inc.

Jennifer Rhine, representing For Animals Inc., a non-profit animal rescue in Queens, New York, shared her experiences as a volunteer and highlighted the challenges faced by animal rescuers and caretakers. …

5:30:38

·

138 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Mike Phillips, President and Co-Founder of Urban Cat League

Mike Phillips, representing Urban Cat League, shared the organization's success in reducing feral cat populations in Hell's Kitchen through affordable spay/neuter programs. He emphasized the current challenge of high veterinary …

5:33:04

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Laura Leopardo, Animal Advocate

Laura Leopardo, an animal advocate from District 35, testifies in support of Councilmember Brannen's bill regarding unlicensed breeders and its impact on animal shelters and affordable veterinary care. She argues …

5:37:57

·

164 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Linda Mann, Animal Rights Activist

Linda Mann, an animal rights activist, testified in support of Intro 1018 and called for increased funding for affordable spay/neuter services and veterinary care in New York City. She emphasized …

5:41:01

·

70 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Deborah Thomas, Volunteer at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)

Deborah Thomas, a long-time volunteer at ACC Manhattan Shelter, addresses the issue of shelter overcrowding due to pet surrenders and proposes two main solutions to the city council. She emphasizes …

5:42:18

·

109 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Deserie Matos, President of Keep Me Warm Dog Houses Inc., on Animal Welfare and Spay/Neuter Services

Deserie Matos, President of Keep Me Warm Dog Houses Inc., testified about the need for free or low-cost spay/neuter services to address pet overpopulation and shelter overcrowding in New York …

5:44:10

·

134 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Bonnie Barron on Noah's Act for Animal Care Reform

Bonnie Barron presented a comprehensive legislative proposal called Noah's Act, aimed at reforming animal care in New York City and potentially nationwide. The proposal includes several ambitious measures to address …

5:46:30

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Founder and Director of Fur Real NYC on Animal Rescue Challenges

The founder and director of Fur Real NYC, a small black-owned rescue and sanctuary in Queens, provides emotional testimony about the financial struggles and personal sacrifices made to run an …

5:50:02

·

4 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Natasha Resnick on Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Services

Natasha Resnick testified in support of low-cost spay/neuter and veterinary services for New York City residents and rescuers. She emphasized the importance of passing legislation to stop the sale of …

5:55:43

·

88 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Dana Jacobs, Representative of Neighborhood Animal Rescue Network (NARN)

Dana Jacobs, representing the Neighborhood Animal Rescue Network (NARN), testified about their grassroots efforts in rescuing and spaying/neutering cats in Central Brooklyn. She highlighted the lack of city services for …

5:57:20

·

165 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Dana Hice, Representative from Brooklyn Animal Action

Dana Hice, representing Brooklyn Animal Action, testifies about the challenges faced by animal rescue organizations in New York City. She highlights the increasing costs of animal rescue operations and the …

6:00:09

·

99 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Maddy Samaddar Johnson from Park Slope Cats

Maddy Samaddar Johnson, representing Park Slope Cats, provided testimony on her extensive experience in animal rescue and the urgent need for city-funded, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter services in New York City. …

6:01:56

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Roberto Bonelli, Founder of The Animals Battalion, on challenges in animal rescue and the need for affordable veterinary services

Roberto Bonelli, founder of The Animals Battalion, testifies about the challenges faced by animal rescuers in New York City, particularly the struggle to access affordable veterinary care for rescued animals. …

6:05:23

·

105 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Marilyn Zucker, Member of the Public, on Animal Welfare Issues in New York City

Marilyn Zucker testified on various animal welfare issues in New York City, including support for Intro 1018, concerns about the treatment of animals in religious rituals and wet markets, and …

6:21:51

·

135 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Daniel Teachout, Inwood Resident and TNR Practitioner

Daniel Teachout, a longtime Inwood resident and ASPCA supporter, shares his experiences with managing a cat colony and the challenges of affordable spay/neuter services. He highlights the difficulties faced by …

6:24:14

·

101 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by India Mazzaro, Representative of Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition

India Mazzaro, representing Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, highlights the challenges faced by individual rescuers and small rescue groups in addressing the cat crisis in New York City. She emphasizes …

6:25:59

·

133 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Aleksandra Slomska, Founder of Trapper Aid

Aleksandra Slomska, founder of Trapper Aid, presented a data-driven solution to address the cat overpopulation crisis in New York City. She introduced Trapper Aid, a platform designed to unify data …

6:28:18

·

116 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lily Komitsky, Founder of Trapper Aid

Lily Komitsky, a founder of Trapper Aid, presented an overview of their platform called Trappery, which aims to streamline scheduling and services for animal rescues and clinics. The platform focuses …

6:30:21

·

102 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Volunteer Pet Rescuer on Affordable Veterinary Care

A volunteer pet rescuer testifies about the importance of affordable veterinary care, sharing personal experiences with their cat Lucy and the financial challenges of providing necessary medical care. The speaker …

6:32:57

·

135 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Frania Shelley-Grielen, Applied Animal Behaviorist, on Animal Behavior and Shelter Issues

Frania Shelley-Grielen, an applied animal behaviorist, discusses the challenges of animal behavior issues leading to shelter surrenders and abandonment. She emphasizes the need for neutering, behavior management, and humane education …

6:35:31

·

131 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Deborah Kalish, Volunteer at Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)

Deborah Kalish, a volunteer at ACC Manhattan, testifies about the severe overpopulation crisis in animal shelters and the urgent need for affordable spay/neuter services in New York City. She describes …

6:37:51

·

135 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Candice Kumai, Animal Rescue Volunteer

Candice Kumai, a volunteer for various cat rescue organizations including NYC ACC and Little Wanderers NYC, testified about the urgent need for accessible spay/neuter and veterinary services in New York …

6:40:13

·

125 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Laura McEvoy, Director of Data and Policy Strategy at Puppy Kitty NYC

Laura McEvoy, volunteer director of data and policy strategy for Puppy Kitty NYC, testifies about the complex issue of animal welfare in New York City and the need for resources …

6:42:24

·

120 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sheila Sanchez, Member of the Public and Animal Rescuer

Sheila Sanchez, a long-time animal rescuer and former president of Francis Albert Park, shared her experiences and challenges in animal rescue. She highlighted the financial and emotional toll of rescuing …

6:47:12

·

5 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Helene Hartman-Kutnowsky, Board Member of Bronx Community Board 7, on Animal Rescue and Education

Helene Hartman-Kutnowsky, a Bronx Community Board 7 member, shared her experiences with rescuing cats and emphasized the need for better education on proper animal care and surrender procedures in New …

6:52:47

·

153 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sarah Hauser, Animal Welfare Advocate

Sarah Hauser, an experienced animal welfare advocate, provided testimony on the current challenges facing animal rescue and care in New York City. She highlighted the impact of the pandemic on …

6:55:24

·

157 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Christine Kenneally, Individual Animal Rescuer

Christine Kenneally, an individual animal rescuer, shares her personal journey into animal rescue and highlights the challenges faced in low-income Bronx neighborhoods. She emphasizes the need for education, better resources, …

6:58:06

·

110 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Nora Marino, Litigation Attorney from Legal Action Network for Animals

Nora Marino, a litigation attorney with 20 years of experience in animal rescue and rights, presented several proposals to address challenges in animal welfare in New York City. She focused …

7:00:01

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Leslie Ramos, Animal Advocate on Affordable Pet Care and Community Education

Leslie Ramos, an animal advocate, testifies about the need for affordable veterinary care and pet resources in immigrant communities, particularly in Queens, New York. She emphasizes the willingness of Latino …

7:03:39

·

169 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Maggie Shnayerson, Independent Rescuer from Bay Ridge Kittens

Maggie Shnayerson, an independent rescuer volunteering under the name Bay Ridge Kittens, shared her experiences and challenges in rescuing, vetting, and finding homes for homeless animals in Brooklyn. She highlighted …

7:07:49

·

132 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Roxanne Delgado, Founder of Bronx Animal Rights Electors Group, on Animal Welfare Issues in NYC

Roxanne Delgado, founder of Bronx Animal Rights Electors Group, testified on various animal welfare issues in New York City, emphasizing the need for support for animal rescuers and policy changes …

7:10:07

·

157 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Judith Lustgarten, Animal Rights Advocate

Judith Lustgarten, an animal rights advocate, provided critical testimony on the state of animal welfare in New York City. She highlighted the lack of proper oversight, insufficient resources, and questionable …

7:13:02

·

5 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Representative from Voices for Shelter Animals on Animal Welfare Crisis in NYC

The representative from Voices for Shelter Animals emphasized the severity of the animal welfare crisis in New York City, highlighting the need for immediate action and systemic changes. They called …

7:18:21

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Ann Margaret Daniel, Member of the Public, on NYC Animal Care Centers and Adoption Process

Ann Margaret Daniel provided testimony on the state of NYC Animal Care Centers (ACC) and her personal adoption experience. She highlighted both positive aspects and areas of concern regarding ACC …

7:23:50

·

3 min

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Caitlin Kelly, Representative of Animal Legal Defense Fund on Animal Rescue Issues in NYC

Caitlin Kelly, representing the Animal Legal Defense Fund, urged the New York City Council to invest in animal rescue efforts. She highlighted the need for increased funding for spay/neuter programs, …

7:27:24

·

140 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Teresa Noto, Cofounder of Bronx Tails Cat Rescue

Teresa Noto, cofounder of Bronx Tails Cat Rescue, testifies about the challenges faced by animal rescuers in the Bronx and the urgent need for low-cost spay/neuter programs in the community. …

7:30:02

·

109 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Steve Gruber, Director of Communications of Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

Steve Gruber from the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals testified about the historical success in reducing euthanasia rates in NYC animal shelters and the current challenges facing animal welfare in …

7:33:42

·

159 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Lynda Naclerio, Member of the Public, on Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services

Lynda Naclerio, a resident of Pelham Gardens in the Bronx, shares her personal experiences with rescuing cats and the challenges of affording spay/neuter services. She emphasizes the urgent need for …

7:36:30

·

150 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Evril Caesar-Mason on Challenges in Animal Rescue and Care

Evril Caesar-Mason shared her personal experiences with animal rescue and care in New York City, highlighting the challenges faced when trying to help stray animals and access affordable veterinary care. …

7:39:28

·

167 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Sarai Garcia, Founder of Fins and Fir Aquatic Animal Microsanctuary

Sarai Garcia, founder of Fins and Fir Aquatic Animal Microsanctuary, testified about amending legislation to include fish in the list of animals banned as prizes at local events. She highlighted …

7:42:25

·

117 sec

Q&A

Clarification on state versus city legislation for animal prizes

Council Member Lynn C. Schulman clarifies that the legislation regarding animals as prizes is state legislation, not city legislation. She indicates that they will see what they can do to …

7:44:21

·

14 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Jenny Hernandez, Coney Island Resident, on High Veterinary Costs and Pet Care Challenges

Jenny Hernandez, a Coney Island resident, shared her emotional testimony about the challenges of high veterinary costs and the impact on pet owners. She recounted personal experiences of losing her …

7:44:43

·

144 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Teresa Youngblood, Member of the Public

Teresa Youngblood testifies about the need for affordable animal care in New York City, highlighting the dedication of rescue organizations and volunteers. She emphasizes the potential impact of increased funding …

7:47:19

·

125 sec

PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Arina Hinzen, Founder of Urban Wildlife Alliance, on Challenges in Wildlife Rehabilitation and Need for Affordable Veterinary Care

Arina Hinzen, founder of Urban Wildlife Alliance, testified about the challenges faced by wildlife rehabilitators in New York City, particularly the lack of affordable veterinary care. She emphasized the critical …

7:49:35

·

144 sec

Citymeetings.nyc pigeon logo

Is citymeetings.nyc useful to you?

I'm thrilled!

Please help me out by answering just one question.

What do you do?

Thank you!

Want to stay up to date? Sign up for the newsletter.