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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals Issues Statement About ASPCA's Decision to Euthanize Oreo
NEW YORK, NY – Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals today issued a statement from Jane Hoffman, President of the Alliance, in response to criticism of the ASPCA's (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) decision to euthanize Oreo, a dog who survived being thrown from a rooftop only to ultimately be deemed behaviorally unsound for placement.
Oreo sustained two broken legs and a fractured rib in the incident, which took place last June 18. She was treated for her injuries at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, and her owner, Fabian Henderson, was arrested by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents. His sentencing is scheduled for December 1.
"In our collective sorrow that the ASPCA's heroic, expensive and five-month long effort to save Oreo the dog was ultimately unsuccessful, many seem to have lost sight of the enormous and vital programs supported by the ASPCA, which have saved thousands and thousands of animal lives in NYC and across the country," said Hoffman.
"Calling on animal lovers and ASPCA supporters to stop donating to the ASPCA is short-sighted and not the way to honor Oreo's memory," she added. "This will, in fact, result in an enormous number of animal deaths — not a result that true animal lovers would desire."
"Please keep in mind what Ed Sayres, President of the ASPCA, and the organization have accomplished for animals when weighing what some consider a tragic decision about one dog."
"In 2005, the ASPCA committed $5 million to New York City's homeless animals, enabling the Mayor's Alliance to secure a $25 million multi-year Maddie's Fund grant, which is powering our collective efforts to make NYC a no-kill city by 2015, a goal that we are well on our way to achieving. In 2009, fewer than 4,500 dogs and 9,000 cats will be euthanized at Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C of NYC), down from more than 12,000 dogs and close to 20,000 cats in 2002."
That is a lot of animal lives saved.
"The ASPCA operates five mobile spay/neuter clinics in all five boroughs, seven days a week, serving low-income New Yorkers and the NYC rescue community, which includes free-roaming and feral cat caregivers. This year alone, the ASPCA's mobile clinics have delivered more than 30,000 spay/neuter surgeries, preventing the births (and deaths) of untold number of dogs and cats."
That is a lot of animal lives saved.
"The ASPCA assists AC&C of NYC by accepting the transfer of more than 1,000 cats and dogs each year and about 3,800 animals from other organizations and members of the public who can no longer take care of their pets. All of these cats and dogs are vetted and cared for until they are adopted into loving homes. In 2009, close to 4,000 cats and dogs will be adopted at the ASPCA Adoption Center. This directly reduces the number of cats and dogs euthanized at AC&C of NYC."
That is a lot of animal lives saved.
"The ASPCA has a dedicated Humane Law Enforcement Department that investigates more than 5,000 cases of animal cruelty in New York City each year."
That is a lot of animal lives saved.
"The ASPCA worked closely with federal authorities at every step of the case against Michael Vick, assisting in the investigation itself and later leading the team that conducted behavior evaluations of the seized dogs, allowing those dogs to be placed at Best Friends and other sanctuaries. The ASPCA also conducted behavior assessments of more than 100 dogs that were potentially subject to breed bans at Marine Corps housing in South Carolina and New York in an effort to make sure that dogs and their families could stay together."
That is a lot of animal lives saved.
"The ASPCA routinely participates in puppy mill and dog fighting raids across the country, and this past summer assisted in the removal, care and behavior evaluation of 500 dogs rescued from the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history, which covered eight states. To date this year, the ASPCA has rescued hundreds more dogs, cats, and other animals from puppy mills and crisis situations in such states as Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Wisconsin."
That is a lot of animal lives saved.
"Last but not least, the ASPCA awards grants to animal welfare and rescue organizations nationwide, resulting in millions of dollars annually to support the welfare of companion animals, horses, and farm animals, and programs like spay/neuter, disaster relief, and education, among others."
That is a lot of animal lives saved.
"Please honor Oreo's memory by visiting one of the three AC&C Animal Care Centers or the ASPCA Adoption Center, or any one of the 160 Mayor's Alliance partner rescue groups or shelters and adopting one or more of the many wonderful animals anxiously waiting for new homes. Save one of those lives."
"For the sake of the animals — in your sorrow and anger over a tragedy — do not throw the baby out with the bathwater. The ASPCA deserves and needs your support."
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