The following is the complete text of the press release issued by the ASPCA on August 27, 1997

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE
PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128
(212) 876-7700, FAX (212) 410-7658

ASPCA news

Statement by ASPCA President Roger Caras Regarding the Formation of a New York City Department for Animal Welfare

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes that creating a separate city department for animal welfare is a good concept. However, the department will only be as good as the man or woman running it and the resources available. Since the City Animal Care and Control began, the city has not been able to find the pied piper who can lead an organization and this city to a humane understanding of animal control.

The fundamental problem with animal control in New York City it [sic] that the job does not get the financial support it requires from the current administration. New York City spends a paltry 66 cents per resident while other major cities spend between two and five dollars per resident. New York City is simply not putting its money where its mouth is, and therefore cannot pretend to be providing the responsible service that the animals and the residents deserve.

Once this city decides it will commit the necessary funds, it will then have to choose the right person for the job. Heading up an animal welfare department for New York city will be a challenging task that will require:

• someone who cares about the job he or she is doing above all else,
• someone who cares about the animals and the particular hardships they face in New York City,
• someone who can stand up to one of the most difficult political entities in the United States and let the city administration know when it is wrong,
• someone who can work with labor unions, has a good sense of people's needs and difficulties, and understands that people working in animal control are often under great stress.

New York City spends less per capita on animal control than any other major city, and it shows. The sad state of affairs for animals in this city will not change until the city administration decides to commit the funding to do the job effectively and find the right person who will stand behind the cause.

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Contact: Peter Paris (212) 876-7700 x4651

August 27, 1997

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