PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Roberto Bonelli, Founder of The Animals Battalion, on challenges in animal rescue and the need for affordable veterinary services
6:05:23
·
105 sec
Roberto Bonelli, founder of The Animals Battalion, testifies about the challenges faced by animal rescuers in New York City, particularly the struggle to access affordable veterinary care for rescued animals. He emphasizes the high costs of emergency veterinary services and the increasing problem of pet abandonment due to the city's high living expenses.
- Bonelli has rescued over 20 kittens this summer, struggling to find affordable spay/neuter and medical services
- He cites a recent case where emergency veterinary care for a severely injured cat cost over $6,000
- Bonelli stresses the need for affordable veterinary services to control the homeless animal population and prevent pet abandonment by lower-income residents
Roberto Bonelli
6:05:23
Good afternoon.
6:05:24
My name is Roberto Bonelli.
6:05:25
I live in Queens, and I run an advocate and TNR Group called the animals battalion.
6:05:30
This summer has not been a pleasant one as I've struggled to get affordable veterinary appointments for Spain, Newder, and medical services.
6:05:38
In the course of my rescue work, so far this summer, I've pulled over 20 kittens from the streets.
6:05:43
Most have found homes, but not all.
6:05:46
A few weeks ago, I responded to a call in sunny side to trap a cat that was severely slashed from its shoulder blade to shoulder blade across its chest.
6:05:55
The cat required emergency services, the medical bills for the rescue group that took possession of the cat, Astoria cat rescue, have been quite high over $6000.
6:06:06
Situation like like those are typical for anyone who does rescue in New York City.
6:06:11
We attempt to save lives while navigating through a problematic city.
6:06:15
Let's not kid ourselves.
6:06:16
Life here is extremely expensive, and it's not going to get better anytime soon.
6:06:21
With skyrocketing costs of living expenses, people are just abandoning their cats.
6:06:26
This past Sunday, the New York Post covered a story about a 100 cat colony by Shea Stadium.
6:06:31
These problems will not be solved by just educating the public.
6:06:35
Situations like that can only be fixed by the moral resolve and the work ethic of New York City's rescue community.
6:06:41
We do, however, have monetary limitations.
6:06:44
There is only so much we can finance through our everyday jobs.
6:06:48
We can put in the volunteer hours, but we need affordable veterinary services to control the homeless animal pop and to hopefully dissuade lower income residents from abandoning their pets.
6:06:59
If our government can provide low cost veterinary care, this city will just become a giant dumping ground of unwanted pets.
6:07:07
Thank you.