City Council Member Joann Ariola wants residents to ‘whisker up’ some cat food, dog treats, training pads and pet carriers for a district-wide pet supply drive this summer.
Pet rescue organizations across the city often rely on volunteers to help keep cherished animals off the streets. Gathering additional supplies for these groups is essential to their survival, Ariola told QNS.
“Through City Council funding, I’m able to provide some financial support to some of these groups, but I realize they need more, and they need it quicker than the bureaucracy of New York City can often deliver,” Ariola said.
The city council member represents District-32 neighborhoods in the city council, which include an assortment of South and Central Queens neighborhoods like Woodhaven and Howard Beach. Within those neighborhoods are pet rescue organizations that continue to make a difference in animal care.
Puppy Kitty NYC, a Middle Village-based pet rescue organization, willfully saved over 30 cats from an abysmal Woodhaven building early this year. The group’s efforts to save those cats were shared throughout the borough and revealed how a network of fellow pet rescue groups stepped up to help.
The Middle Village Pet Rescue organization is one of many others Ariola hopes to help with pet supplies this summer. Although she can do her part to gather financial assistance in city council, Ariola also knows there is more that is needed to help these groups survive.
“One thing that has been a common factor for every rescue group in our area is the lack of resources they have and the enormous amount of work that they do each and every day – work that the public often never sees or even realizes is happening,” Ariola shared.
The list of pet rescue organizations that will receive these additional supplies are Zion’s Mission Animal Rescue, Noah’s Ark Rescue Project and Sanctuary, Puppy Kitty NYC, Meow Squad, and the Itty Bitty City Kitties.
Ariola says she has always loved animals and ever since her time in office, she has had the opportunity to meet with animal rescues doing their part to help save furry pals.
Residents who are interested in donating to the pet supply drive are encouraged to visit and drop off their supplies at Ariola’s district office on 93-06 101st Ave. Questions can also be answered over the phone at (718) 738-1083.
