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United Action for Animals calls out pols on NYC’s under-financed shelter system
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NYLHV Citywide Political Forum
On Tuesday, May 26 the New York League of Humane Voters invited the candidates running to be New York City's next Mayor, Public Advocate and Comptroller, as well as Manhattan's next District Attorney, to speak under one roof about animal welfare issues.
About 250 concerned citizens addressed their questions to the candidates which did not include Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Comptroller candidate, Melinda Katz.
An obvious disappointment to animal welfare advocates, Mayor Bloomberg declined to attend the forum just a few days before. According to the NY Daily News, Bloomberg has attended lots of campaign-related events, but hasn't appeared at any candidate forums thus far.
The NYLHV's issues are outlined in its 2009 City Council scorecard. At the top of the list is the controversial horse-drawn carriage ban, which is being carried by Councilman Tony Avella. Another controversial issue concerning New York City’s Animal Care and Control system was brought to the candidates’ attention by Jennifer Panton, the president of United Action for Animals.
Ms. Panton was hoping to address her concerns to the mayoral candidates but was not able to because of Mayor Bloomberg’s absence and the way in which the forum was structured: one candidate took the podium at a time.
Instead, she found herself asking Leslie Crocker Snyder who’s running for Manhattan District Attorney, how she plans to change the fact that New York City’s ACC shelters is heavily under-financed.
Ms. Crocker Snyder stated that she has a dog, takes animal issues very seriously and would do anything in her power to ensure humane laws are adhered to. She even pointed out her husband in the audience and mentioned that their engagement hinged on the fact that he be in agreement of always having animals in their home. He acknowledged by smiling and nodding to the citizens
While it’s unfortunate that Ms. Crocker Snyder’s answer didn’t directly address Ms. Panton’s question, it should still be noted that her presence at the event, and her sincerity and interest in engaging animal welfare issues, puts her high above Mayor Bloomberg and other candidates who either couldn’t make the effort to appear, or who continue to ignore the pressing matter of animal rights.
For more info: http://www.ua4a.org/ and http://www.nycacc.org/
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