Animal Groups Come Together to Give New York Shelter Pets a Second Chance

Killing animals is not only unconscionable policy, it's costly. It takes a lot of manpower — i.e. tax dollars — to house, kill, and dispose of a homeless dog or cat. Wouldn't it be much more compassionate to give dogs and cats slated for euthanasia to qualified rescue groups or no kill shelters if they wanted them? Such a measure would save lives and taxpayer dollars.

Enter Assembly Member Kellner, who has worked hard in the last few months to build consensus and bring a variety of groups together to help craft CAARA — the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act. Kellner stated that "There are tens of thousands of animals in New York State shelters waiting to be adopted and most are healthy, well-behaved, and just in need of a loving home. When a humane organization volunteers to take these animals, they should not be denied. A shelter should work with them to the fullest extent possible."

Some folks never realized the need for this legislation; they think animal control agencies routinely work with rescue groups. The reality is some do and some don't. Unfortunately, many still cling to antiquated catch and kill policies that have never worked. Enter CAARA (A 7312).

CAARA is loosely based on the Hayden Law, which includes a provision allowing for a not-for-profit animal rescue or animal adoption organization to request possession of a dog or a cat prior to killing it. Delaware, following California's lead, passed a similar bill in 2010.

Best Friends Animal Society was one of several groups who worked with Kellner to help craft language that not only mandates shelter access for qualified rescue organizations, but also establishes higher standards of care for animals in the shelter system and is supporting the legislation.

According to Jamie Rubin, Best Friends' New York City Program Manager, the fact that so many individuals and groups have come together to support this bill demonstrates the shared commitment and dedication to help our shelter animals. "I know I'm biased but I believe that New Yorkers are extremely intelligent and compassionate. With their support, CAARA can become law."

Numerous groups are mobilizing to help get these bills passed. In addition to Best Friends, supporters include the League of Humane Voters of New York, Alley Cat Allies, and the No Kill Advocacy Center.

Kellner says the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act will give New York's shelter animals a second chance. "Best Friends Animal Society has been a leader in the No Kill movement and I'm so proud to have their support." Best Friends thinks that humane legislators like Assembly Member Kellner and Senator Joseph Robach, who is sponsoring the companion measure in the Senate, are indeed our pets' best friends.

Please sign the petition to help all our friends in the great state of New York.

Photo Credit: Best Friends Animal Society