WELCOME, AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
As we relaunch this newsletter from the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare (MOAW), during the holiday season and with Thanksgiving still in view, I want to reiterate how grateful I am that New York City has such a dedicated office (and for the Adams' Administration's many plant-based food initiatives). I'm thankful for the agencies and colleagues who recognize that animal and human well-being are linked, and for the many wonderful New Yorkers and organizations committed to helping animals across the five boroughs.
You can read more about the Office, which is housed under the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit, on the MOAW website. Earlier this year, we released our 2023 Annual Report, and this and previous reports are also available on the site, along with MOAW testimony from City Council hearings.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can sign up for emails here. And I hope you do! Together, we can foster a more humane city for all.
Happy holidays, and all the best for the new year,
Alexandra Silver
Director, NYC Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare
CITY OPENS FIRST FULL-SERVICE ANIMAL SHELTER IN QUEENS AND EXPANDED MANHATTAN PET ADOPTION CENTER
New York City is well on its way to full-service animal shelters in every borough!
In September, City officials joined with Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) and the family of Paul Vallone to cut the ribbon on the Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center, a state-of-the-art facility that represents the City's ongoing commitment to its furriest, four-legged residents – as well as their human families.
The following month, Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi joined with the City's Department of Design and Construction, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, ACC and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the Manhattan Pet Adoption Center, a modern, inviting space to connect animals with their future families.
Construction of the Bronx Animal Care Center—which will bring a long overdue resource to the borough and its residents—is underway, as is a full renovation of the Brooklyn Animal Care Center. Read more about the DDC-managed capital projects (all except Queens) here.
BAN ON SALE OF DOGS AND CATS IN NY PET STORES TAKES EFFECT
On December 15, the 2022 state law banning pet stores in New York from selling cats and dogs (and rabbits) took effect. New York City law already prohibits pet stores from selling rabbits as well as guinea pigs.
"Every day, there are hundreds of adorable dogs, cats, and other animals available for adoption in New York City and ready to win you over," notes Director of the Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare Alexandra Silver in a recent New York City Health Department press release, adding that, "The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act will benefit animals both in and beyond our city's shelters and rescue groups."
Meanwhile, Local Law 132 of 2024, which passed with overwhelming support in the City Council, aligns the City's pet shop law with New York State law, and further stipulates that "Animals shall not be sold or held for sale in a dwelling in which a person lives [also stated in the City's Health Code] or at any other location that is not licensed therefor."
Pictured: Khloe (animal ID 137975) and Maverick (215505), two of the many wonderful animals available for adoption from Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC).
HERO DOG HONORED AT PETS/SERVICE ANIMALS PREPAREDNESS FAIR
 The Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare joined New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), the NYC Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities, Animal Planning Task Force partners, and others at Union Square in September for the annual Pets and Service Animals Preparedness Fair.
At the resource-filled event, NYCEM gave the inaugural Salty and Roselle Service Animal Recognition Award to Halona, a service dog who helped a family in a house fire and now assists a 9/11 firefighter.
For information on preparing your pet or assistance animal for emergencies, visit NYCEM's Pets & Service Animals page.
PET-INCLUSIVE HOMELESS SHELTER PILOT COMES TO THE BRONX
In case you missed it: In May, the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) joined the Urban Resource Institute (URI) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a transitional housing facility in the Bronx that welcomes families experiencing homelessness along with their beloved pets. Read the press release for more on this milestone for people and animals in NYC.
MANAGING DEER IMPACTS ON STATEN ISLAND
In 2016, New York City launched a plan to reduce the negative impacts of Staten Island's growing deer population. The innovative Deer Impact Management Plan, now in its ninth project year, includes humane, non-lethal solutions and involves five parts: traffic safety measures, public engagement and education, a population control study using sterilization, natural resource protection, and impact monitoring.
Check out the recently updated Managing Deer Impacts on Staten Island StoryMap from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for more information, and learn more about deer and other wild animals who call the Big Apple home at WildlifeNYC.
ANIMAL SPOTLIGHT: AZUL
 Looking for an "affectionate" and "exuberant" dog who has "a joy that's contagious"? Azul may be seven, but he's full of energy. This cutie and many other dogs (and cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs!) are available for adoption from Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). View Azul (animal ID: 91198) and other "boroughbreds" available for adoption from ACC at nycacc.app.
Not in a position to adopt? Consider fostering!
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