Adopt Fair Planned to the Litter - by Lisa L. Colangelo, New York Daily News City Hall Bureau - Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Inc. - Working with the City of New York to promote dog and cat adoption and spay and neuter programs to make New York a no-kill city.

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by Lisa L. Colangelo, New York Daily News City Hall Bureau

Friday, April 30, 2004

The young, black-and-white tabby cat was burned all over.

Even her little whiskers were singed off when she was brought to the city's animal shelter in Brooklyn this week.

Years ago, her prospects for recovery would have been dim. With all the homeless and healthy dogs and cats looking for good homes, could scarce funds be used to care for one little cat?

But there's hope for this cat and others when Animal Care and Control of New York City holds its first street fair and adopt-a-thon at the Manhattan shelter on E. 110th St. from noon to 4 p.m.

Shelter workers called members of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals for help. The little burn victim, nicknamed Popcorn, was brought to West Chelsea Animal Hospital (it's not yet clear whether she is the victim of an accident or neglect), where she is being treated and is expected to make a full recovery.

The unique collaboration between Animal Care and Control — responsible for handling all stray animals in the city — and the numerous rescue groups who are part of the Alliance, has helped drive up adoption rates in the city.

According to Animal Care Executive Director Ed Boks, adoptions were up 50% in February, when 1,254 animals were adopted. In February 2003, 836 animals were adopted.

And the Picasso Fund, set up last summer by actresses Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters helps pay for the extra medical care of extremely injured shelter animals.

"This gives us the ability to help those animals that need a little more tender, loving care," said Jane Hoffman, who heads the Alliance.

For more information about the fair or how to adopt a homeless pet, check the Animal Care website at www.nycacc.org, or the Alliance website at www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org.