FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2016
CONTACT: John Collins, 212 681 1380

NYCLASS: Mayor’s Budget a Major Win for Animals and all New Yorkers

Budget dedicates $10 Million for the creation of animal shelters in Queens and the Bronx NEW YORK – NYCLASS today hailed Mayor Bill de Blasio’s allocation of $10 million toward the creation of new animal shelters, which has been a core part of NYCLASS’ agenda for many years, as a major victory for animals and an important first step toward building and operating two facilities in the City.

The funding, provided in the Mayor’s 2017 Executive Budget, will initiate the design, construction and siting of animal shelters in Queens and the Bronx, boroughs that currently lack dedicated animal shelters and the medical services and adoptions they provide. “NYCLASS believes that the greatest city in the world deserves a world-class animal shelter system – with full-service shelters in every borough,” said Allie Taylor, Executive Director of NYCLASS. “With this investment, Mayor de Blasio has stepped forward and honored his commitment not only to help reduce inequality across the city, but also to strengthen our communities for all New Yorkers, two legged and four legged.

“This announcement is a major victory in our years-long effort to provide animals with humane living circumstances and New Yorkers with the basic access to the love and companionship a pet provides.

“We want to thank all of our community partners and leaders such as Council Members Paul Vallone and Corey Johnson for their tireless work on this issue. All of us fought together to make this day a reality – and New Yorkers and animals across the city are grateful. We look forward to working with the Mayor and our Council supporters to ensure these shelters get the funding they will need in the future to open and operate successfully.”
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