PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Betty Arce, Representative of Bronx Tails Cat Rescue
4:38:27
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167 sec
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 increased city-funded spay/neuter services and veterinary care to address the growing crisis in animal welfare.
- Called for the creation of a Department of Animal Welfare within the municipal government
- Suggested forming a task force to address the crisis, including rescuers and rescue organizations
- Urged for stronger leadership from New York City to make spay/neuter not just encouraged, but required
Betty Arce
4:38:27
Thank you.
4:38:28
Good afternoon, and thank you for holding this hearing.
4:38:30
My name is Betty Arce, and I am representing Braun's sales account rescue.
4:38:34
First and foremost, I'd like to really acknowledge the the work of the all the groups that are here today.
4:38:44
And as well, I'd like to also acknowledge the council members who have shown their compassion and concern for the animals that we work with.
4:38:54
I've been involved in animal rescue for over 20 years, and I've been with Bronze Tales for the past 15.
4:39:02
Bronx Tales is a nonprofit charitable organization, and we have been working with most of the cats and cat populations in the Bronx.
4:39:12
The Bronx is one of the epicenters of the cat overpopulation in neighborhoods with low median incomes.
4:39:18
And that is where we have focused much of our s hoo efforts.
4:39:21
Sound View, Williams Bridge, Castle Hill, Morris Heights, Claremont, and University Heights, I just view the neighborhoods who we have been called upon to assist with cat rescue.
4:39:32
With the increased cost of vet care and Spain noodles and the the fewer Spain nooder appointments that we're able to get, We're finding that pet owners are reaching out to us asking for help in terms of being able to take care of their animals.
4:39:50
As a result, rescuers are experiencing burnout, and we would like to see more services provided for Spain Neuter.
4:40:01
And what we would like to see is more city funded high volume Spain Neuter services and veterinary care for rescuers and pet owners in communities of color.
4:40:12
I'd like to see the creation of a Department of Animal Welfare within the municipal government, which would include the management of the Animal Care Center with a staff and budget commensurate to address the many animal issues facing the city.
4:40:29
And we'd like to see more funds committed for emergency response and possibly begin to do this through a task force that would look at at address the crisis that includes rescuers, rescue organizations, and those who work close with the Vesu community.
4:40:44
In closing, I'd like to say that I'd like to see that we strong leadership from the New York City should make clear to all residents that Spain Neuter is not just encouraged, but required.
4:40:58
Let's address the animal welfare crisis and make sure New York City can show its heart as a responsible municipal government that cares about animals and the people who have been at the forefront of animal rescue.
4:41:10
Let's make state cities funded, Spainuter happened in New York City.
4:41:13
Thank you.
