A couple of years ago in New York City, the ASPCA killed a dog who a rescue group wanted to save. A statewide survey similarly found that 71% of rescue groups have been turned away by at least one New York shelter and that shelter then killed the very animals they offered to save. In response, New York State legislators introduced a bill to make it illegal to kill animals who rescue groups were willing to save: “As a dog owner and a foster parent for an animal rescue group, I was heartbroken to learn that Oreo was [killed]. When a humane organization volunteers their expertise in difficult cases, a shelter should work with them to the fullest extent possible,” said one of the legislative sponsors. “I am hopeful that Oreo’s Law will ensure that no animal is ever put to death if there is a responsible alternative.”  Unfortunately, the powerful ASPCA succeeded in defeating this legislation every year since. As a result, over 47,000 animals who rescue groups were willing to save have been killed instead in NYS shelters. Educate your family, friends, and acquaintances that when they donate to the ASPCA, the money they intend to help animals may harm them instead. Moreover, while local shelters and local rescue groups who actually save lives in their own communities are stretched financially, their donations to the ASPCA, which only operates one small shelter in New York City, sticks their donations in the bank. Let them know the ASPCA is not who they think it is by sending the following email and/or posting to your Facebook page:

Dear Friends: We’ve all seen those heart wrenching commercials from the ASPCA asking us to donate money. But did you know that the ASPCA only runs one small shelter in New York City? Did you know that when you donate to the ASPCA, you are not donating to help animals in our community? Our SPCA, humane society, and other local shelters are not affiliated with the ASPCA in NYC. In addition, the ASPCA takes in over $140,000,000 a year, so when you donate, it may just end up in the bank, while our local No Kill rescue groups are stretched financially. If you want to save lives, give locally. And give to an organization that reflects your love of animals. The ASPCA fights legislation to regulate shelters, and as a result, roughly 25,000 animals are needlessly killed every year in New York State alone. They fight No Kill reform efforts across the country by championing kill shelters and regressive directors. And despite being the richest SPCA in the nation, they turn animals away and send animals with minor medical conditions to the NYC pound rather than treat them and find them homes, while their CEO makes over $500,000 a year. It isn’t fair and it isn’t right.