Another issue with ACC giving out these drugs like candy is that there's no monitoring or follow up. For example, what effect (positive or negative) is the drug having on each animal? Is the animal's behavior, energy level, etc worsening or seemingly improving? You can't just give out these psy-meds without any kind of monitoring protocols.
If these allegations are true, staff size and training may very well have played a role. But without a thorough investigation we'll never know for sure whether the allegations are true or the cause.
Thank you, Ed. So important! First do no harm. The Hippocratic Oath applies to veterinary medicine. Shelter medicine is a bona fide branch of veterinary medicine. It’s not a maybe or a sort of or a hope or a wish. It’s an oath. I hope for better oversight and care for these beautiful animals.
Absolutely, and thank you, Heidi, for highlighting the importance of upholding ethical standards in veterinary medicine, especially within shelter settings. Your support for better oversight and care for these animals is truly appreciated. Together, we can work towards ensuring the well-being of all animals in our care. Thank you for your valuable contribution to this cause!
Thank you, Ed, for giving voice to so many important issues. Have any of the veterinary organizations weighed in on this? The AVMA or the like? What about the local New York City branches of the AVMA? I know. It’s political. But still.
Thank you, Heidi, for your kind words and thoughtful question. Indeed, veterinary organizations play a crucial role in advocating for animal welfare and addressing issues within the profession. While I haven't seen specific statements from organizations like the AVMA or local branches in NYC regarding this issue, their involvement could certainly contribute to raising awareness and implementing solutions. I agree that it's essential to consider all avenues for addressing these concerns. Your engagement and interest in seeking out potential sources of support are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for this excellent article. This overuse of drugs on shelter animals at the NYCACC needs to be investigated by the Dept of Investigations.
You’ve heard the comment “people get the government they deserve.” It essentially means they brought it on themselves by not taking the necessary action to make positive change and just accepting the chaos, turmoil, and bad representatives. In NYC, only 21% of registered voters cast their ballot in the last mayoral election giving us Eric Adams. Mr. Adams’ only foray into animal issues was to tell us how much he gleefully hates rats. He even created the position of Rat Czar with an annual salary of $155,000.
This kind of disinterest has created and maintained NYC’s animal shelter system - . NYCACC. I was one of the people fighting for a responsible, representative system in 1994 when the ASPCA relinquished the animal control contract. We created the Coalition for NYC Animals and the Shelter Reform Committee -both of which still exist.
But change only comes if people continue to push those in charge– in this case our City Council – most of whom do not care. But somehow, the word did get out and finally there will be an oversight hearing of the NYC Animal Care Center.
PLEASE TAKE THIS ACTION:
If you live in NYC, please testify at the June 18th City Council hearing (Health Committee) . Register at this link https://council.nyc.gov/testify/– and do it ASAP. I suggest (from past experience) that you prepare a statement that is no more than two minutes long when read. Otherwise, you will be cut off. ALSO provide your written testimony since it will be part of the record.
Will there be changes? No one knows but at least we will have tried.
Elizabeth, thank you for your thoughtful and supportive feedback. It's heartening to see that there are individuals like you who are passionate about animal welfare and dedicated to advocating for positive change. Your insights and encouragement are truly appreciated. We share your belief in the importance of holding authorities accountable and pushing for necessary reforms. Your call to action is inspiring, and I commend your efforts to make a difference. I will certainly look into participating in the City Council hearing and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can work towards creating a more responsible and compassionate animal shelter system in NYC. Thank you again for your invaluable contribution to this cause.
James, you're very welcome! I'm glad the article resonated with you and provided valuable insights. Thank you for reading and engaging with the content!
Another issue with ACC giving out these drugs like candy is that there's no monitoring or follow up. For example, what effect (positive or negative) is the drug having on each animal? Is the animal's behavior, energy level, etc worsening or seemingly improving? You can't just give out these psy-meds without any kind of monitoring protocols.
You're preaching to the choir, Beatrice. You are absolutely correct. The NY Times had a passing interest in this story but decided not to run with it. This is more evidence for why we need an independent watchdog organization: https://open.substack.com/pub/animalpolitics/p/unmuzzling-animal-welfare-the-urgent
Hi
Very concerning…. 🙁
So true, Heidi, and as I mentioned, I'm getting concerns from various parts of the country suggesting this may be a wide spread issue.
Does Kristi Noem know about this.
Richard , she wrote a book about it…
😁
Ed I think it gets down to lack of staff to deal with these situations. I
If these allegations are true, staff size and training may very well have played a role. But without a thorough investigation we'll never know for sure whether the allegations are true or the cause.
Staffing issues are not an excuse to drug animals.
🥲🥲
Well said...
Thank you, Ed. So important! First do no harm. The Hippocratic Oath applies to veterinary medicine. Shelter medicine is a bona fide branch of veterinary medicine. It’s not a maybe or a sort of or a hope or a wish. It’s an oath. I hope for better oversight and care for these beautiful animals.
Absolutely, and thank you, Heidi, for highlighting the importance of upholding ethical standards in veterinary medicine, especially within shelter settings. Your support for better oversight and care for these animals is truly appreciated. Together, we can work towards ensuring the well-being of all animals in our care. Thank you for your valuable contribution to this cause!
Thank you, Ed, for giving voice to so many important issues. Have any of the veterinary organizations weighed in on this? The AVMA or the like? What about the local New York City branches of the AVMA? I know. It’s political. But still.
Thank you, Heidi, for your kind words and thoughtful question. Indeed, veterinary organizations play a crucial role in advocating for animal welfare and addressing issues within the profession. While I haven't seen specific statements from organizations like the AVMA or local branches in NYC regarding this issue, their involvement could certainly contribute to raising awareness and implementing solutions. I agree that it's essential to consider all avenues for addressing these concerns. Your engagement and interest in seeking out potential sources of support are greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Ed. That’s so nice of you.
Thank you for this excellent article. This overuse of drugs on shelter animals at the NYCACC needs to be investigated by the Dept of Investigations.
You’ve heard the comment “people get the government they deserve.” It essentially means they brought it on themselves by not taking the necessary action to make positive change and just accepting the chaos, turmoil, and bad representatives. In NYC, only 21% of registered voters cast their ballot in the last mayoral election giving us Eric Adams. Mr. Adams’ only foray into animal issues was to tell us how much he gleefully hates rats. He even created the position of Rat Czar with an annual salary of $155,000.
This kind of disinterest has created and maintained NYC’s animal shelter system - . NYCACC. I was one of the people fighting for a responsible, representative system in 1994 when the ASPCA relinquished the animal control contract. We created the Coalition for NYC Animals and the Shelter Reform Committee -both of which still exist.
But change only comes if people continue to push those in charge– in this case our City Council – most of whom do not care. But somehow, the word did get out and finally there will be an oversight hearing of the NYC Animal Care Center.
PLEASE TAKE THIS ACTION:
If you live in NYC, please testify at the June 18th City Council hearing (Health Committee) . Register at this link https://council.nyc.gov/testify/– and do it ASAP. I suggest (from past experience) that you prepare a statement that is no more than two minutes long when read. Otherwise, you will be cut off. ALSO provide your written testimony since it will be part of the record.
Will there be changes? No one knows but at least we will have tried.
Elizabeth, thank you for your thoughtful and supportive feedback. It's heartening to see that there are individuals like you who are passionate about animal welfare and dedicated to advocating for positive change. Your insights and encouragement are truly appreciated. We share your belief in the importance of holding authorities accountable and pushing for necessary reforms. Your call to action is inspiring, and I commend your efforts to make a difference. I will certainly look into participating in the City Council hearing and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can work towards creating a more responsible and compassionate animal shelter system in NYC. Thank you again for your invaluable contribution to this cause.
Thank you for shedding light on and explaining these troubling claims and reports.
James, you're very welcome! I'm glad the article resonated with you and provided valuable insights. Thank you for reading and engaging with the content!