Action Alerts From Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)


Actions to take: Important update re Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter Closing

From: Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW)
January 5, 2023 

As reported previously, Mt Vernon Animal Shelter is scheduled to close at the end of January, with remaining unadopted animals reportedly going to New Rochelle Humane Society.

As of today there are appx 12 dogs and 16 cats at Mt V who need placement; we have been told by two credible sources that unplaced animals will be killed - despite NRHS' supposed 'No Kill' status.
FROM THE NRHS WEBSITE:

"No-Kill" is a term that defines a movement, a goal, rather than being an absolute. A decade ago, the term was coined as a slogan to represent an improved way of sheltering animals and a community approach to helping them. It was not meant to condone warehousing of animals or to be taken literally.

Today, "No-Kill" means the elimination of euthanasia for healthy, adoptable dogs and cats. "No-Kill" doesn't mean no euthanasia. A responsible "No-Kill" organization will euthanize an animal with an untreatable disease, who has lost the quality of life, or a dangerous dog who has significant potential to injure the public or another animal.

On intake, the animal shows no signs of behavioral or temperamental characteristics that would pose a health or safety risk or otherwise make the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet. Animals who are not healthy but are likely to become healthy if given reasonable medical, behavioral, foster or other care. Animals who are not healthy and not likely to become healthy, regardless of care provided, but who would likely maintain a satisfactory quality of life if given reasonable care, including long-term care. This does not include any animal determined to pose a significant health or safety risk to humans or other animals.

THIS PASSAGE IS PARTICULARLY TROUBLING IN LIGHT OF A NEW NYS LAW (A6246, to 'regulate' animal shelters) , DEEMED BY HUMANE ADVOCATES AS THE 'QUICK KILL' LAW, WHICH 'CREATES A NEW JUSTIFICATION FOR KILLING: "MENTAL SUFFERING." ' MORE ON THIS SHORTLY.

1) PLEASE CONTACT THE CITY OF MT VERNON AND REQUEST THEY EXTEND THE SHELTER CLOSING BEYOND JAN. 31, WHICH IS SHORT NOTICE: (914) 665-2444

2) PLEASE HELP ADOPT OR FOSTER THE REMAINING CATS AND DOGS!! WE'RE TOLD SHELTER STAFF HAS HAD 'A TREMENDOUS TURNOVER, WITH ALL NEW EMPLOYEES.' ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:

Friends of Mt Vernon Animal Shelter: [email protected] 

Adore-a-Bullie Paws and Claws: [email protected]
(ph) (917) 836-7554

Just two of the current Mt V shelter residents:

BLUE is a new arrival and very affectionate!

ZACK welcomes petting from visitors and would probably be happiest as an only cat or in a quieter household.

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