Albany, New York - The Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA) in New York will create protections for homeless pets and end the so-called "convenience" killings (euthanizing animals when there are empty cages). It will also make it illegal to kill animals if rescue groups are willing to save them. As of now, the current New York State law allows only for individuals to adopt from shelters.
According to one survey, 71 percent of New York rescue groups have been denied access to pets and those same animals have been euthanized.
State Assembly Micah Kellner introduced the bill and states:
"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."
CAARA will set definitive guidelines and qualifications for shelters and rescue groups to ensure better care for the animals. Under the provisions of providing proper care, the new legislation includes fresh food, water, exercise, socialization with other animals, clean living environments, and prompt veterinary care. The bill also extends whistleblower protection to rescue groups when groups are denied access to the animals if they have spoken out against abuse, mismanagement, or bad practices.
Debi Day, director of No Kill Nation says that CAARA will give all shelter animals the chance of finding a good home.
Executive Director of No Kill Nation's Advocacy Center and attorney Nathan Winograd, contends that millions of dogs and cats are killed in the nation's shelters annually and the need for progressive standards will save thousands of lives at no cost to taxpayers since rescue groups and their own financial arrangements will help these animals.
In 1998, California passed the Hayden Law which gives animal rescue and adoption organizations the right to request possession of a dog or cat before it is euthanized. In 2010, Delaware passed similar legislation giving rescue groups the authority to find shelter animal homes before being euthanized. Both bills passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support.
Rescue 50.org is a nationwide campaign to pass shelter reform in all 50 states, and hopes New York will serve as an example for other states to enact similar legislations. The organization encourages all animal lovers and humane advocates to campaign for better leadership in local shelters, to be public advocates at the local level and to legislate for changes at both local and state levels.
Joseph Robach is the sponsor of the bill for the New York State Senate.
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