By Gary Feldman
Our companion animals so often are left by the wayside. Those of us who can are needed to be their voice.
In our own communities, a staggering number of cats, dogs and other companion animals are being brought to shelters. Even worse, pets are being left behind, abandoned, especially in rough times. The rising costs for food, medicineand healthcare have become overwhelming for many. The scarcity of pet-friendly housing adds significantly to this tragic situation.
When someone experiences job loss, is uprooted, and often can no longer afford the cost of housing, possibly even becoming homeless, they live the heart-wrenching reality of having no choice but to give up their beloved pets. They cannot afford to care for them any longer. Think about the heartbreak from the animal’s perspective. They do not understand why their people are giving them up.
In Nassau County, where there are an abundant number of buildings but a disproportionate are not pet-friendly, we must offer incentives for rental apartments, co-ops and condos to welcome pets.
Long Islanders must urge landlords, residential building owners and co-op and condo boards to revise their guidelines and accept companion animals in their buildings.
A powerful friend to animals is Sandra Atlas Bass, Sol G. Atlas Realty Co. Inc., here in Nassau County. For decades Sandra Bass has made all her apartment buildings pet-friendly, and does not charge additional fees for pets. We need Nassau County building owners to follow her lead.
Animal Rescue shelters are overwhelmed due to disasters including wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and war-torn areas throughout the world. When this happens, neighborhoods and regions become unlivable. Many of our local shelters are going above and beyond to rescue animals and bring them to safety. Burdened financially and having limited space, they need a tremendous amount of assistance. The animals they rescue need homes.
Congressman Tom Suozzi has proven to be a strong advocate for animal rescue and protection. He was an early co-sponsor of many bills including the Pet Safety and Protection Act, the Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act, and the Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters Act (PREPARED). He has co-sponsored bills that have become law, including the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act.
Local officials including town mayors and supervisors, county executives, council and assembly members, congressional and state senators must be called upon to advocate for animals, not to remain silent, step up to the plate and go to bat as Congressman Suozzi has.
Call upon your local village halls, libraries, food markets and places of worship to have pet food bins to help those in need feed their companion animals. Imagine having to part with your pet because you cannot afford to feed them.
We need to create a community that can change the landscape for companion animals. Be a champion for buildings that welcome pets and advocate for pet food bins to be placed in our communities. Help dogs, cats, and all other companion animals to stay with their families and more rescues to be adopted.
Express your comments to our local newspapers. Do mention your pet-friendly building, or that you would like your building to be pet-friendly.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
If you are fortunate, open your heart and home to share your life with a companion animal. They truly are family. They save lives in countless ways.
Gary Feldman is a health writer, nutrition educator, lecturer, and instructor in the Port Washington Union Free School District Continuing Education program.
