PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michelle Villagomez, Senior Director for Government Relations at American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
2:11:49
·
145 sec
Michelle Villagomez from the ASPCA presented testimony on the challenges facing animal shelters and the need for comprehensive surrender prevention programs. She emphasized the importance of affordable veterinary services, pet-friendly housing, and support for pet owners facing various difficulties.
- Highlighted the overcrowding issue in shelters, with 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters last year, but only 4.8 million finding homes
- Called for policies to increase pet-friendly housing options and protect tenants with pets from discrimination
- Stressed the need for more resources for Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and continued support from the city to meet the needs of New York City's animals
Michelle Villagomez
2:11:49
Good morning, chair, personal, men, and members of the health My name is Michelle Villegomez, and I'm senior director for government relations for the ASPCA.
2:11:56
Shelter across the country are full with over 6,500,000 dogs and cats entering shelters last year, but only 4,800,000 of them finding homes.
2:12:04
Many shelters including AC and C are facing placement challenges due to animals with longer stays, often because of complex medical or behavioral needs, ongoing staffing shortages, and insufficient adoption rates.
2:12:16
One of the most effective ways to reduce shelter overcrowding is through the implementation of comprehensive surrender prevention programs.
2:12:23
They should include not only affordable veterinary services, but also support for pet owners facing housing instability, domestic violence, or homelessness.
2:12:31
Pet friendly housing is a crucial component of this holistic approach.
2:12:34
The city should work with developers, landlords, and housing authorities to increase the availability of pet friendly apartments, particularly in affordable housing complexes.
2:12:43
Housing laws and policies that ban pets prohibit specific breeds require cats to be declawed or dogs to be debarked or severely restrict pet ownership based on size should be rejected.
2:12:53
Additionally, policies that protect tenants with pets from unfair eviction or discriminatory practice must be strengthened.
2:13:00
We need to expand the availability of pet friendly shelters for domestic violence victims and the homeless.
2:13:05
By ensuring that shelters can accommodate pets, we can provide a lifeline to those in crisis while alleviating pressure on our animal shelters.
2:13:14
Today, you will hear from my colleagues in community medicine, community engagement, and adoptions, who will provide further insights into the specific programs and services the ASPC offers to AC and C, pet owners, and rescue organizations.
2:13:26
Our efforts are designed to complement and bolster the essential work that ACC does every day.
2:13:32
But it is important to note that ACC needs more resources and continued support from the city and the public to better meet the needs of New York City's animals.
2:13:40
The need for affordable veterinary care, shelter resources, and comprehensive animal support far exceeds what any single organization can deliver.
2:13:48
We commend the committee for considering a multifaceted approach, and we stand to work with the council to to make it a reality.
2:13:55
I just wanna
Lynn C. Schulman
2:13:56
You can you can some
Michelle Villagomez
2:13:58
Oh, thank you.
2:13:58
My my team here is gonna talk about what resources already exist, but the takeaway is it's not enough.
2:14:04
And we're here to say you can't just rely on the rescues and on the nonprofit partners to do it.
2:14:10
BUT THERE ARE SOME RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND MY COLLEAGUES WILL SPEAK TO IT.