An agreement with the city has been announced today that will enhance services and care for dogs and cats in animal shelters system in New York.
There will be an increase in staff, expanding the days and hours that animals may be dropped off or picked up. Also an increase in the rescue of animals that have been strayed, injured or abandoned.
The city will commit to increasing its investment in the shelters over the next three years by nearly $10 million.
âÂÂDespite a difficult budget climate, we are committed to significantly improving the way animals are cared for while they await adoption,â stated Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in a press release.
The Bloomberg administration, City Council members and community animal organizations focused on how to take care of CityâÂÂs animals by continuing in increasing adoption rates and expanding programs to reduce the number of animals needed.
Existing shelters in New York can be found in Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn. Elimination of shelters in Queens and the Bronx is due to a high expense, but only helping in providing needed services.
The Health Department will work with cats to be neutered while increasing dog licensing for owners who have lost their dogs.
The press release reported that the department has raise revenue to support these animal services as well invested in improving for animal care facilities.
âÂÂWith this agreement, we will be able to focus resources and provide even better services for the thousands of dogs and cats who come into the shelter systemâÂÂ
The agreement will sponsor a bill that will require the city to pick up stray, injured or abandoned dogs and cats in which vans will be available around the clock. The Health Department is also required to issue a report 24 months from the day the bill is sign to provide data on the progress at each animal shelter and receiving center.
The Health Department will launch a citywide public awareness campaign for New Yorkers to do their part and have their dog or cat spayed or neutered. This helps in improving its behavior, health, and making sure that fewer unwanted animals are born.