PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Rena Lafaille, Director of Administration at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
2:20:53
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139 sec
Rena Lafaille, representing the ASPCA, provided testimony on the state of animal rescue in New York City, highlighting the challenges faced by shelters and rescues, and the ASPCA's partnership with Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). She emphasized the need for continued support from the city council to ensure animal welfare organizations have necessary resources.
- The ASPCA has provided nearly $9.5 million in grants to ACC for various programs and services.
- The ASPCA's kitten nursery has supported over 11,000 kittens since 2014.
- The ASPCA focuses on giving second chances to vulnerable animals and those who typically stay longer in shelters.
Rena Lafaille
2:20:53
Okay.
2:20:53
Good afternoon.
2:20:54
I'm Rina Lafai, director of administration at the ASPCA Adoption Center.
2:20:59
Shelters and rescues nationwide are dealing with increased intakes, limited resources, and a shortage of veterinary professionals.
2:21:08
Despite these challenges, ACC has maintained high placement rates and continues to create programs that support both animals and pet owners.
2:21:16
We have a unique perspective on the challenges and successes of animal welfare in our city, and our partnership with ACC has been instrumental in this work.
2:21:26
We provide ACC with grant funding for their innovative programs, Spaniard services, and veterinary care for owned animals in underserved communities.
2:21:36
We often transfer dogs and cats from ACC to the ASPC adoption center providing these animals with the specialized care they need to transition into new homes.
2:21:47
We've provided nearly $9,500,000 in grants to ACC to advance efforts to reduce euthanasia, increase adoption and placement numbers, and improve access to care for the city's most at risk animals.
2:22:00
ACC established a special case advocate team funded by the ASPCA, which includes 2 full time staffers with social work backgrounds who work to keep people and pets together.
2:22:11
By offering resources and support to families and pets who may be temporarily separated.
2:22:17
At the ASPCA adoption center in kitten nursery, we focus on giving second chances to the most vulnerable animals and those who typically stay longer in shelters.
2:22:27
Fact, since 2014, the kitten nursery has supported more than 11,000 kittens, providing lifesaving care during the peak of kitten season, which is right now during the warmer seasons of the year, when shelters are overwhelmed with newborns.
2:22:42
Many animals come to us through our valuable partnership with the NYPD from our community engagement program or as transfers from ACC and often require extensive medical or behavioral rehabilitation.
2:22:55
By providing the care they need, we help to alleviate the burden on ACC, giving them the chance to help more animals.
2:23:00
So in closing, the support of this committee and the city council is essential in making sure that ACC and other animal welfare organizations have the necessary resources to continue their life saving work.
2:23:11
Thank you.