Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Candice Kumai, Animal Rescue Volunteer
6:09:41
·
127 sec
Candice Kumai, a writer, reporter, and animal rescue volunteer, testified about the importance of investing in spay and neuter initiatives in New York City. She emphasized how these programs can improve public health, reduce violent crimes involving animals, and support underserved communities.
- Kumai shared her firsthand experiences with animal rescue, including witnessing animal deaths and euthanasia due to lack of space in shelters.
- She highlighted the Bronx as the second poorest congressional district, where many rescue groups focus their efforts.
- Kumai urged the city to address issues of animal abuse and support spay and neuter programs to improve overall community well-being.
Candice Kumai
6:09:41
Chair Schulman, thank you so much for your time.
6:09:44
It is wonderful to see you again.
6:09:46
I'm Candace Kumai.
6:09:48
I am a local writer and reporter with outlets like the Today Show or Vogue magazine and a huge cat lover and dog lover.
6:09:57
I volunteer with rescue groups like Little Wanders, NYC, along with NYC, ACC, Best Friends, etcetera.
6:10:06
Firsthand, I have seen cats, kittens, dogs, sometimes they die in our arms.
6:10:13
I have seen so many healthy cats and dogs be euthanized just because there is no room for these animals.
6:10:20
Unfortunately, a lot of us in this room have also witnessed the tearing up of cats' bodies by pit bulls and dog fighting rings.
6:10:31
I'm here to share with you how investing in spay and neuter initiatives will do so much more than just protecting pets.
6:10:39
It will strengthen public and mental mental health in our communities in New York.
6:10:44
It'll lessen those violent crimes that are happening that we have seen with stray or abused animals.
6:10:51
It will keep families together by allowing them to keep their pets with pet retention.
6:10:58
It will help to stabilize all of the underserved communities.
6:11:03
It can improve quality of life, and as we know, it'll show that you value all of us sitting in this room that we are continuing to vote for city council members like your like yourself that help these spay and neuter initiatives.
6:11:19
So thank you so much for your time.
6:11:22
As you know, The Bronx is the second poorest congressional district in the country.
6:11:28
It's where groups like Little Wanderers and all of these wonderful humans that are sitting here today invest their time, their money, their retirement funding.
6:11:39
I have seen some of the most horrific abuse towards animals, and I hope that New York City can help to take care of this issue.
6:11:47
Thank you so much.