PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Libby Post, Executive Director of New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF)
3:07:24
·
4 min
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 funding and support for animal welfare organizations.
- Emphasized the high live release rate (91%) of Animal Care Centers of NYC, contradicting the "kill shelter" narrative
- Discussed the implementation of the statewide ban on selling puppies, kittens, and rabbits in pet stores (effective December 15, 2023)
- Explained the Companion Animal Care Standards Act and the need for shelters and rescues to prepare for inspections
- Advocated for increased funding for the Companion Animal Capital Fund to support shelter improvements
Libby Post
3:07:24
Hi.
3:07:24
My name is Louie Post.
3:07:26
I came down from Albany today.
3:07:27
I'm the Executive Director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation.
3:07:31
We represent all the animal shelters in a growing number of rescues at the state capital.
3:07:37
You've heard today all the reasons why the shelters are overwhelmed, so I'm not gonna get into that as as well.
3:07:43
But these dynamics are beyond the control of anyone shelter, but are being used to continue the demonizations of shelters.
3:07:50
As some are gonna patients promote the concept that, quote, shelters kill animals.
3:07:55
In 2023, the animal care centers of New York, who's a Federation member, had a live release rate, as Teresa said before, of 91%.
3:08:03
Anything over 90% is considered, quote, no kill.
3:08:06
Yet ACC is continually demonized by many as a kill shelter where animals are routinely euthanized.
3:08:12
This organizational demonization as well as the personal attacks on shelter staff advocates and elected officials has to stop.
3:08:19
We have become 2 annured of of being able to just attack people in a way that's really destructive to them.
3:08:29
Not only the people working in shelters, managing shelters, advocates, but also our elected officials, I can tell you that in Albany, there have been death threats made to elected officials if they don't vote the way some animal advocates would like them to vote.
3:08:43
And that's just not right.
3:08:45
But we do know that by working together, we can make a difference.
3:08:48
I wanna thank you for holding this hearing and beginning to do the work necessary to change local law to comport with the statewide ban on selling puppies, kittens, and rabbits and pet stores that comes into effect this year on December 15th.
3:09:02
The Puppy Mill pipeline bill was a major victory for animal welfare.
3:09:05
We've seen other major victories in the past few years as well on the same day that Governor signed the puppy mill bills.
3:09:11
She also signed the Companion Animal Care Standards Act for shelters and rescues, which takes effect on December 15 2025.
3:09:19
This measure raises the standard of care across the board at all shelters and rescues.
3:09:25
Simply put ACC and all shelters and rescues in New York City will be inspected by the New York State Department of Ag And Markets.
3:09:35
We have raised considerable grant funding to provide no cost consulting services for shelters and rescues.
3:09:43
New York Community Trust has given us funds, we have 8 slots left for New York City Organizations.
3:09:51
If you are a bricks and mortar rescue or a bricks and mortar shelter, please get in touch.
3:09:57
Go to n y s a p f ed fund dot org.
3:10:01
And sign up.
3:10:02
Now I know I'm going to be quick.
3:10:04
The standards act works hand in hand with the Companion Animal Capital Fund.
3:10:08
Since 2018, $33,000,000 has been invested in capital project at shelters across the state ACC has gotten some of that money.
3:10:16
By the way, has gotten set some of that money.
3:10:19
This year, we're asking the governor to put $10,000,000 in.
3:10:22
She's put $5,000,000 in for the last 2 years.
3:10:25
Double it, and we'll be very happy and be able to move on to other things.
3:10:29
Our annual capital needs survey has found 48 shelters across the state have capital needs of $77,200,000.
3:10:37
While the fund doesn't cover everything, it really does help and we've seen a great deal of change.
3:10:43
The challenges to animal welfare in the city and state are many, but there are those of us in the policy trenches that are making headway and proposing new innovations.
3:10:51
Getting serious about increasing low cost bay and new to services means getting serious about dog licensing.
3:10:57
We all know a portion of each dog license goes to the state's Animal Population Control Fund, which then funds low cost bayonuter programs across the state.
3:11:06
While I can't get into it, into specific detail right now, the federation is ready to discuss with the city council in more detail outside of this context of this forum, how we can enhance licensing in this in in New York City.
3:11:21
The other challenge we're facing, as we've been heard, is the shorter of the vets.
3:11:25
The Fed is working with the vet society.
3:11:28
We're doing a matching program to bring vets to shelters in need of those services.
3:11:33
And that's been people really responded pretty well.
3:11:36
So thank you again.
3:11:37
For the opportunity to speak today.
3:11:39
I'm more than happy to delve into further into these issues with you as a group or individually.