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
2:16:33
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125 sec
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 of low-cost veterinary services, pet food assistance, and behavioral support in preventing animal surrenders to shelters.
- The ASPCA's community engagement team handles nearly 400 cases per year, assisting nearly 2000 pets in 2023.
- They work closely with NYPD and human service providers to prevent and combat animal cruelty across New York City's five boroughs.
- The ASPCA also supports NYPD cruelty cases by removing animals from crime scenes and providing care and sheltering at their 92nd street facility.
Matt Goldweber
2:16:33
I'm Matt Goldweber, senior program manager for the ISPCS community engagement team.
2:16:37
Surrender prevention programs are critical importance to keeping pets and people together.
2:16:42
This work includes low cost veterinary services, pet food assistance, and behavioral support, and helps pet owners address the challenges that might otherwise lead to surrender.
2:16:50
By investing in these programs, the city can proactively prevent the influx of animals into shelters, ultimately saving resources and lives.
2:16:57
Our team works with pet owners and local agencies to identify solutions to keep animals in their homes when possible.
2:17:02
The team is comprised of 11 animal welfare professionals and handles nearly 400 cases per year.
2:17:07
In 2023, we assisted nearly 2000 pets.
2:17:10
We provide access to low cost veterinary care, space meter services and additional resources such as pet food and supplies and proper pet housing.
2:17:18
Our program is a one time voluntary service intended to provide relief to pets and owners facing hardship and educate them on pet ownership.
2:17:25
We cannot compel people to accept our services and any assistance is provided at their request and or our recommendation.
2:17:31
For any pet needs that fall outside the parameters of what the program can provide, we make referrals to partner organizations and agencies.
2:17:37
In addition, we make referrals for pet owners if they have their needs of their own beyond those of their pets.
2:17:41
This can include referring them to programs that assist services such as food assistance, pet friendly housing, job placement, and more.
2:17:48
We work closely with NYPD and human service providers, including domestic violence and elderly care programs, excuse me.
2:17:54
With NYPD, CE works to prevent and combat animal cruelty across the Five boroughs.
2:17:59
The ASPCA cares for animal cruelty victims by providing medical and behavioral treatment, housing, and placement for these rescued animals.
2:18:05
The ASPCA also assists criminal investigations managed by the NYPD and New York City's district attorney's offices through forensic evaluations, legal support, and training.
2:18:14
We specifically support NYPD cruelty cases by removing animals from crime scenes and providing transportation of fed animals to our 92nd street facility where they receive the care and sheltering they need.
2:18:24
Our program also receives case referrals from the ACC community pets program.
2:18:28
Our aim is to improve the lives of our city's pets and pet owners alike, and we look forward to continue working with fellow animal welfare individuals and organizations to accomplish this.
2:18:37
Thank you.