Alley Cat Allies Calls On New York Lawmakers To Support Historic Animal Sheltering Bill

"Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act" would save lives of countless shelter animals

BETHESDA, Md., May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today called on lawmakers on the New York State Assembly's Agriculture Committee to support Assembly Bill 7312, the New York Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA), when the bill is offered at a committee hearing on Thursday, May 31.

"CAARA is a groundbreaking bill that has the potential to save the lives of countless animals across the state," said Becky Robinson, president and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies. "If passed, it will guarantee rescue groups access to animals who would otherwise be killed in shelters."

Under CAARA, if a rescue group is willing to take an animal, the shelter must release that animal to the rescue group; animals would no longer be killed because the impoundment period is up.

The bill would also implement commonsense, basic protocols to reunite lost animals with their owners and caregivers, such as requiring shelters to scan for microchips. CAARA would also establish an improved, more specific standard of care for impounded animals, including requiring a clean living space, appropriate exercise, and fresh food and water daily.

CAARA would also promote transparency at animal pounds and shelters, requiring them to disclose information about what happens to animals under their care.

"This is a lifesaving bill for the animals of New York," said Robinson. "It would set apart New York State as a leader in humane care for animals."

About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than 260,000 supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives cats and kittens nationwide. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.

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Becky Robinson
http://www.profnetconnect.com/becky_robinson

SOURCE Alley Cat Allies