Home > Out of the Cage! > October 2004 > Message from the President: Welcome to Out of the Cage!

Message from the President

Welcome to Out of the Cage!

by Jane Hoffman, President, Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

We're delighted to welcome you to the premier issue of Out of the Cage!, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals' e-newsletter. We look forward to providing you each month with up to date information about the Mayor's Alliance and its efforts aimed at making New York City a no-kill city.

Since the Mayor's Alliance was formed in 2002 as a public–private partnership between the City of New York and the numerous animal shelters and rescue groups in the NYC area, we have steadily increased our numbers from five founding members to more than 60 different animal rescue organizations. The work being done by these participating organizations to save the lives of homeless animals and find suitable homes for them is central to our mission: to reduce the euthanasia rates for cats and dogs in New York City.

Each month you'll have the opportunity to read about our progress with spay/neuter programs, adoption events, and other programs designed to increase adoptions and reduce the killing of cats and dogs. (This month's article, "A Strategy for Transforming NYC into a No-Kill City," provides a broad-stroke description of our strategic plan.)

Through the newsletter you'll meet Alliance Participating Organizations (APOs) and learn about their tireless efforts to save and re-home the City's orphaned animals. You'll read about extraordinary volunteers who are making a difference for the animals. And you'll meet some of the amazing animals that have faced overwhelming odds to survive and find placement in permanent loving homes as a result of efforts by Alliance members and supporters.

Additionally, you'll read about ways YOU can make a difference for the animals — by donating your time as a volunteer, by donating supplies, by supporting our programs and events, and by spreading the word among your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, generating awareness and support for our efforts to create a no-kill NYC.

The work being done by so many individuals — shelter staff and volunteers, rescuers, adopters, foster-care providers, veterinary workers, and others — to save lives and provide the City's homeless animals with hope for a brighter tomorrow is inspiring and gratifying. It is only fitting that we express our appreciation to these organizations and individuals on behalf of the animals.

We hope you enjoy our newsletter and find it helpful in your efforts to make the world — and NYC in particular — a more loving place for animals. We welcome your comments, ideas, and suggestions concerning the newsletter; please feel free to e-mail us at info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org. And be sure to visit our web site at www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org to find out more about Alliance activities.

All the best,

Jane