07/02/2023
Did you know that a year a go there was a bill passed and signed into law called the Companion Animal Protection Act? It's am amazing bill to help animals in recuses. One thing I found fantastic is a new law that makes Shelters accountable. Under this act they must:
(a) Every animal shelter shall take appropriate action to ensure that all animals are checked as soon as possible, but no more than 24 hours, after impoundment for all currently available methods of identification, including microchips, identification tags, and licenses.
(b) Every animal shelter shall maintain continuously updated lists of animals reported lost and found, and shall regularly, but no less than once daily, check these lists and animals in the shelter for matches, and shall also post a photograph of and information on each stray animal impounded by the shelter on the internet with sufficient detail to allow the animal to be recognized and claimed by its owner.
(c) If a possible owner is identified, the animal shelter shall undertake due diligence to notify the owner or caretaker of the whereabouts of the animal and any procedures available for the lawful recovery of the animal. These efforts shall include, but are not limited to, notifying the possible owner by telephone, mail, and personal service to the last known address.
(d) No animal shelter shall ban, bar, limit or otherwise obstruct the adoption or transfer of any animal based on the animal’s breed, breed mix, species, age, color, appearance, or size.
(e) Every animal shelter shall make available online to the public a monthly and annual summary that includes the following information:
(1) The number of animals impounded;
(2) The number of animals who were killed by the animal shelter, at the animal shelter’s direction, with the animal shelter’s permission, and/or by a representative of the animal shelter;
(3) The number of animals who died, were lost, or were stolen while in the direct or constructive care;
(4) The number of animals who were returned to their owners;
(5) The number of animals who were adopted;
(6) The number of animals who were transferred to other organizations;
(7) The number of animals who were sterilized and then released
There is so much more great in this act I suggest you all read it. Let's hope that the CNY SPCA actually starts to do this sense it has already been in place for a year.