PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kathy Nizzari, Founder and Chair of Lights Out Coalition, on Animal Rescue and Protection
3:59:14
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138 sec
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 in pet stores, free spay/neuter services, and better care for wildlife and exotic animals.
- Advocated for banning the sale of birds and exotic animals in pet stores
- Highlighted the need for a holistic approach to animal rescue, including care for injured wildlife and exotic animals
- Stressed the importance of fully funding trap-neuter-release programs and supporting volunteer rescue groups
Kathy Nizzari
3:59:14
Good afternoon, Chair of Schulman, and members of the health committee, a special acknowledgment to counsel member Holden for being a true champion for animals.
3:59:23
I'm Kathy Nazari, founder and chair of White South Coalition, a group of more than 50 organizations dedicated to protecting urban wildlife.
3:59:31
We are grateful to the committee for holding this hearing on important animal issues and hope the overwhelming support for bills like the Guinea pig's sale ban and the rent contraception program demonstrate a positive shift in the council towards compassion for animals.
3:59:47
We support intro 1018 calling for regulations and protections for all animals sold in pet stores.
3:59:53
Not only do birds and exotics need protection and proper health care, but we hope to see a day where these sales are also banned, especially since the legal dumping of animals in public areas is so prevalent.
4:00:06
We also appreciate that any breeder or seller must be issued a permit and look forward to the day they are out BOD AS Well.
4:00:14
AS FOR THE STATE OF NEW YORK'S ANIMAL RESCU, WE FEEL FREE SPAY AND NEWDER SERVICES AS Well AS FULLY FUNDING TRAP NEWDER RELEASE PROGRAMS AND CARE BY THE MANY VOLUNTEER AND RESCU GROUPS IN THE CITY.
4:00:27
Are necessary to reduce the hope and hopefully eliminate the practice of euthanization.
4:00:33
Further, there is a serious need for looking at rescue more holistically or inclusively.
4:00:38
Presently, there is no city agency that will take in or a tend to injured or abandon birds and other exotics, whether it means expanding the scope of ACC or giving significant grants to wild bird fund, the city's only wildlife rehabilitation center that tend to wild birds and other animals injured in parks on the streets by building collisions or dumped in parks and other public locations.
4:01:04
So many unnecessary deaths could be avoided.
4:01:07
If we all take our role as stewards more seriously, This also includes the carriage horses who have a long history of abuse.
4:01:15
In fact, I'll I'll just You can
Lynn C. Schulman
4:01:16
just yeah.
4:01:17
Just some
Kathy Nizzari
4:01:17
One of the owners is presently being prosecuted by Manhattan DA for criminal abuse.
4:01:23
The coalition has many ideas on how the city can better protect its animals, and we look forward to meaningful discussions on how to achieve these goals.
4:01:30
Thank you for the opportunity to speak to.
4:01:32
Thank you.
