The New York State Assembly Agriculture Committee is voting TODAY on Oreo’s Law. The bill would provide a safe haven for animals with rescue groups who would harbor animals destined to be killed in shelters.
The bill’s namesake Oreo was a one year old dog intentionally thrown from a rooftop by a cruel and abusive owner suspected of repeated abuse. Oreo survived this tremendous ordeal and was coaxed back to health by the ASPCA. After Oreo’s recovery, the ASPCA has said that she showed aggressive behavior severe enough to warrant her death. A rescue facility specializing in the rehabilitation of aggressive dogs offered Oreo haven for life, including rehabilitation, socialization and the care an animal so tragically abused deserves. The ASPCA chose to end Oreo’s life, disregarding the possibilities that could have awaited her.
According to the No Kill Advocacy Center, a survey of rescue groups found that 72% reported being denied animals, while 71% reported that shelters in turn killed the animals denied to the rescue groups. The power to decide the fate of so many animals has been assumed by the ASPCA and animal shelters across the state, enterprises that accept the donations of animal lovers and supporters worldwide. The ASPCA has clearly lost sight of what they stand for. Their website states, “With your help, the ASPCA can continue working to find happy endings for all of America’s homeless pets. Give Today!”
Clearly, Oreo’s ending was not a happy one. Support rescue groups that truly strive to provide happy endings, and stay current with and support Oreo’s law to whatever extent you are able. You can contact the members of the Agriculture Committee here and show your support: http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/?sec=mem&id=2. Your voice can combine with so many others to influence this decision.
