The following is the complete text of a letter by Deputy Mayor Peter Powers -- the Mayor's point person in charge of forming the CACC. Powers' contention that the CACC was not a City agancy was founded in the misguided belief that the City could replicate the ASPCA and create a non-profit "charitable" corporation that could rely on millions of dollars in public donations. (About 98% of the CACC's budget was funded with tax dollars when this letter was written, and it hasn't changed much since then.)
[SEAL]
THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10007
PETER J. POWERS
FlRST DEPUTY MAYOR
February 24, 1995
Marcia Lee Kannry
The Coalition for New York City Animals
20 Waterside Plaza
Suite 12D
New York, NY 10010
Dear Ms. Kannry:
I am responding to your letter of February 15. I must disagree with your characterization of the Center for Animal Care and Control as a City agency. While City employees were indeed involved with the group that responded to the ASPCA's notice that it would not renew its contract for animal care and control services, the agency that was created is an independent not-for-profit entity. None of its employees work for the City.
I also take issue with your characterization of the City's contract with the CACC as not benefitting New York City animals. There is no evidence that has been presented that the Center is misusing the City's funds. If you can substantiate your allegations, I would appreciate that you do so with specificity and in writing.
I must ask for your support and patience regarding thc implementation of thc changes that you mention in your letter. The Center has in fact only been operational since January 1, 1995. The changes to the shelters that you describe could not be done by the City when the facilities were in the possession of the ASPCA. (I would appreciate a description of the Coalition's efforts to force the ASPCA to make changes or even commission a responsible report when it ran the shelters.)
The other concerns you raise are animal care policy issues that are overseen by the Department of Health, whom I understand that you have already met with. As Mr. Uy already explained to you, my office does not administer the animal care policy for the City of New York. I am sure that the Department of Health and the Center would be happy to hear your suggestions for more humane treatment of animals, and I recommend that you contact them directly with your ideas.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Peter J. Powers
cc: Margaret Hamburg, M.D. [Health Commissioner]
[SEAL]
THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10007
PETER J. POWERS
FlRST DEPUTY MAYOR
February 24, 1995
Marcia Lee Kannry
The Coalition for New York City Animals
20 Waterside Plaza
Suite 12D
New York, NY 10010
Dear Ms. Kannry:
I am responding to your letter of February 15. I must disagree with your characterization of the Center for Animal Care and Control as a City agency. While City employees were indeed involved with the group that responded to the ASPCA's notice that it would not renew its contract for animal care and control services, the agency that was created is an independent not-for-profit entity. None of its employees work for the City.
I also take issue with your characterization of the City's contract with the CACC as not benefitting New York City animals. There is no evidence that has been presented that the Center is misusing the City's funds. If you can substantiate your allegations, I would appreciate that you do so with specificity and in writing.
I must ask for your support and patience regarding thc implementation of thc changes that you mention in your letter. The Center has in fact only been operational since January 1, 1995. The changes to the shelters that you describe could not be done by the City when the facilities were in the possession of the ASPCA. (I would appreciate a description of the Coalition's efforts to force the ASPCA to make changes or even commission a responsible report when it ran the shelters.)
The other concerns you raise are animal care policy issues that are overseen by the Department of Health, whom I understand that you have already met with. As Mr. Uy already explained to you, my office does not administer the animal care policy for the City of New York. I am sure that the Department of Health and the Center would be happy to hear your suggestions for more humane treatment of animals, and I recommend that you contact them directly with your ideas.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Peter J. Powers
cc: Margaret Hamburg, M.D. [Health Commissioner]