Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Michelle Villagomez, Senior Director of Municipal Affairs at ASPCA
5:00:11
·
119 sec
Michelle Villagomez from ASPCA testifies in support of the council's FY 2026 budget proposals for a citywide trap-neuter-return (TNR) initiative and a pilot pet food bank. She emphasizes the importance of these programs in addressing animal welfare issues and supporting pet owners in New York City.
- Advocates for a $1,500,000 investment in a citywide TNR initiative, which could facilitate up to 8,000 spay/neuter surgeries annually
- Urges funding of a $1,000,000 pilot pet food bank through HRA's Community Food Connection to help families keep their pets
- Highlights the connection between animal welfare and human well-being, emphasizing how these programs can prevent pet surrenders and reduce shelter overcrowding
Michelle Villagomez
5:00:11
Good afternoon, Chairs Schulman and Brannan, and members of the Health and Finance Committee staff.
5:00:16
My name is Michelle Villagomez and I serve as the senior director of municipal affairs for the ASPCA.
5:00:22
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of the council's FY twenty six budget proposals to fund a citywide trap neuter return initiative and a pilot pet food bank.
5:00:32
Two critical programs that will make a real difference for animals and families across New York City.
5:00:37
The ASPCA is proud to call New York City home.
5:00:40
We work every day alongside animal care centers of New York City, rescue organizations, and volunteers to support pet owners and improve the lives of animals.
5:00:49
But the truth is we're all stretched to the limit.
5:00:52
The shelter system is overwhelmed and the nonprofit community cannot meet the growing need alone.
5:00:57
We strongly support the council's call for a $1,500,000 investment in a citywide TNR initiative.
5:01:04
Community cat givers and nonprofit partners have long been doing this work with limited resources.
5:01:09
A city backed TNR program would allow for up to 8,000 spay neuter surgeries annually, reducing the shelter intake, addressing community concerns, and creating a more humane path forward.
5:01:22
We also urge you to fund a 1,000,000 pilot pet food bank through HRA's Community Food Connection.
5:01:28
Since launching our emergency partnership with Food Bank for New York, the ASPCA has distributed over 1,300,000 pet meals.
5:01:36
But emergency aid is not a substitute for sustained infrastructure.
5:01:40
Inflation has made it difficult for many families to afford both groceries and pet food.
5:01:45
A city supported food bank would help keep pets in homes and out of shelters.
5:01:49
Together, these proposals recognize that animal welfare is deeply connected to human well-being.
5:01:55
By investing in these services, the city can prevent surrenders, reduce shelter overcrowding, and help families stay whole.
5:02:02
Thank you for your leadership and for standing up for the people and animals of New York City, and we look forward to working with you to make these programs successful.