This comes after the worst case of animal cruelty in Westchester history was discovered in Yonkers in April: An eviscerated cat was found dangling from a tree branch; black bags containing 25 others were strung from trees.
These cats were beaten to death; some had died a year ago, others were newly killed kittens. The sheer numbers and brutality of this case were reported all over the U.S. and the world. This case remains unsolved despite a massive public outcry and the offer of a reward of almost $25,000 for information leading to an arrest.
ADOW had begun requesting TNR assistance from Yonkers several months before this incident, after the huge amount of homeless cats was revealed during a previous case of cat poisonings there.
Numerous studies -- and in-state experience -- show TNR effectively stabilizes and reduces cat colonies through natural attrition and adoption of socialized cats.
'This is a milestone chapter in the history of humane treatment. It's an acknowledgement by Yonkers of the aid needed for its resident cats, a statement that Yonkers does not tolerate cruelty and strives for respect and kindness toward all its citizens," said Kiley Blackman, founder of ADOW.
"We have had a relationship with (Mike) Spano, who has been a friend to animals for years. Thank you, Mayor Spano, for compassionately sending a message that Yonkers cares about its tiniest helpless victims who cannot speak but want to keep their lives and suffer pain and fear just as we do. No one has a right to hurt them."
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