PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Caitlin Kelly, Representative of Animal Legal Defense Fund on Animal Rescue Issues in NYC
7:27:24
·
140 sec
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, affordable veterinary care, and pet-friendly housing to address overpopulation and overburdened shelters.
- Emphasized that 97% of US pet owners consider their pets as family members
- Pointed out the lack of pet-friendly affordable housing in NYC, leading to pet surrenders
- Highlighted the disparity in insurance discrimination laws between homeowners and renters regarding dog breeds
Caitlin Kelly
7:27:24
Thank you.
7:27:25
Sorry.
7:27:25
I remuted myself there.
7:27:27
Alright.
7:27:28
My name is Caitlin Kelly, and I am testifying on behalf of the Animal Legal Defense fund.
7:27:33
We are the nation's preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals, and we are respectfully requesting the New York City Council to make a serious investment in the state of animal rescue in New York City.
7:27:45
Companion animal issues stem from human made problems, a lack of funding for resources such as education regarding the importance of, and the accessibility to Spay and Neuter, affordable veterinary care, and pet friendly affordable housing all contribute to overpopulation and an overburden sheltering system.
7:28:04
These are not issues that any single animal welfare entity can solve alone.
7:28:09
97% of US pet owners consider their pets to be a part of their family.
7:28:14
Over half of US pet owners not only consider their pets to be a part of their family, but they say their pets are as much of a part of the family as a human member.
7:28:22
Yet overburdened animal shelters are witnessing families surrender pets.
7:28:26
Some who have been a part of a family for years because of a lack of pet friendly affordable housing in the city.
7:28:33
No family should have to abandon one of their members in order to find a home.
7:28:37
Renters and lower income families with pets have even fewer options.
7:28:41
In 2021, the state of New York passed legislation that prohibits insurance carriers from discriminating against homeowners based on their dog's breed.
7:28:50
However, notably, it's still lawful to allow the same discrimination against renters to continue.
7:28:56
New York City is largely a city of renters with over 2 thirds of households renting their homes and roughly half of those households living in rent regulated apartments.
7:29:05
This means that over 2 thirds of households in the city may still be subject to insurance discrimination, including higher costs or refusal to cover based solely on their dog's breed.
7:29:16
A family should not be forced to separate because of limited affordable housing or insurance options.
7:29:22
Keeping families together allows shelters and rescuers to put their time and resources.
UNKNOWN
7:29:26
Thank you for your testimony.
7:29:27
Your time has expired.
Lynn C. Schulman
7:29:29
Just some just summer if you could just summarize the rest of your testimony, that'll be Yeah.
Caitlin Kelly
7:29:35
Of course.
7:29:36
We want you guys to keep work on keeping families together with their pets that shelters and rescuers can focus on the animals in need.
7:29:43
Thank you for your time and consideration.