Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA) Seeks to End Convenience Killing of Homeless Animals in New York Shelters

ALBANY, N.Y., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA),a bill that would save the lives of over 25,000 homeless pets every year, has been introduced in New York by State Assembly Member Micah Kellner. CAARA will insure crucial protections for homeless pets in New York, end all "convenience" killing by shelters (killing when there are empty cages) and make it illegal to kill animals if rescue groups are willing to save them.

A statewide survey found that 71% of all New York State rescue groups have been turned away by a shelter, which then killed the very animals they offered to save.

"There are tens of thousands of animals in New York State shelters waiting to be adopted and most are healthy, well-behaved and just in need of a loving home," Assembly Member Kellner said. "When a humane organization volunteers to take these animals, they should not be denied. A shelter should work with them to the fullest extent possible. States like California and Delaware have already passed similar legislation, and now it is time for New York to step up to the plate."

CAARA is a comprehensive measure that goes beyond just giving these rescue groups mere access. For the first time, it sets qualifications and guidelines for both shelters and rescue groups. Outlining the responsibilities of those who work directly with the animals will help ensure that the animals receive proper care. These provisions ensure that animals are given fresh food and water on a daily basis, exercise and socialization with other animals, clean living environments, and prompt veterinary care.

"Animal loving Americans would be shocked to know the reality of what's happening in our nation's shelters– including abuse, horrific conditions and unnecessary killings," says Debi Day, Director of No Kill Nation. "Most shelters are mired in the status quo and unwilling to change, so CAARA is designed to mandate lifesaving policies at these facilities, and ensure safety, proper care and a chance at a good home for all shelter pets. We are thrilled that this legislation has been introduced in New York, as well as elsewhere across the US. CAARA is a crucial step on our road to a No Kill Nation."

"We have known how to end the killing at our nation's shelters for over a decade now, and in more communities than ever before, we have," says Nathan Winograd, attorney and Executive Director of the No Kill Advocacy Center. "Unfortunately, the vast majority of shelters in this country refuse to follow the proven, life-saving mandates prescribed by the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act, and millions of dogs and cats are killed in our nation's shelters every year as a result. Progressive laws which reform our shelters by requiring them to operate according to the most innovative and progressive standards is the right of every animal entering our nation's shelters, and every animal loving, taxpaying citizen."

We strongly urge all animal loving New Yorkers to get behind this bill, and tell their elected leaders that CAARA will mean saving the lives of thousands of homeless animals, saving taxpayer money and improving public health and safety. Additionally, this bill is popular with voters.

For more information, visit www.rescue50.org, a nationwide campaign to pass shelter reform legislation in all fifty states.

SOURCE No Kill Nation; No Kill Advocacy Center