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'No-kill' animal shelter plan eyed

by Lisa L. Colangelo, New York Daily News

Thursday, January 5, 2006

Two of the city's top animal advocates will speak at the 92nd Street Y tonight about efforts to make city animal shelters "no-kill."

Under the "no-kill" standard, shelters would no longer euthanize healthy, adoptable animals due to space limitations.

ASPCA President Edwin Sayres and Jane Hoffman, president of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, will talk about efforts to get more adoptable animals out of city shelters.

"For people who are interested in learning about how to make New York City a more humane community for its cats and dogs, this is a great opportunity to hear what we are doing in New York and how this is being used as a national model," said Hoffman.

Ed Boks recently left his post as executive director of New York City Animal Care & Control to head Los Angeles' Animal Services.

During his two-year tenure, adoptions increased and deaths by euthanasia decreased in part because animal-rescue organizations worked with staff in the shelters to help adopt and foster animals.

The Mayor's Alliance and the ASPCA have pledged to help AC&C reach a "no-kill" goal.

Mary Martin, who worked with Boks in Arizona, has stepped in as interim director while a search for a permanent replacement continues.

AC&C is under contract with the city's Health Department to handle all stray and homeless animals in the five boroughs.

Unlike other rescue groups, AC&C cannot turn away any stray or unwanted animals.

But advocates have complained for years that the city spends little — only about $7 million — on its animal control services.

The talk will be held at 8:15 p.m. The Y is at 1395 Lexington Ave. in Manhattan. Tickets are $25 each.

Copyright © 2006 Daily News, L.P.