RHBA aims to
help animals

It was all about furry friends at the latest Richmond Hill Block Association (RHBA) meeting.
A guest speaker, Gerti Muho, from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, spoke about its Spay and Neuter Mobile Clinic and its low-income surgery program.
Muho noted that last year they performed 23,000 surgeries, and that their goal for this year is 30,000. He arranged for a mobile truck to be present at the upcoming Richmond Hill Park Fair.
The five operating trucks perform spay and neuter surgeries, administer vaccinations and install tracking microchips in pets, free of charge for low-income New Yorkers.
“If we are able to do 60,000 surgeries per year, New York City will become a kill-free zone for pets,” he said.
Muho also advised attendees to be alert for signs of animal cruelty by being observant for flea and tick infestations, wounds on the pet’s body, appearing extremely thin and actual instances of abuse.
Mary Palagonia, from the Center for Animal Care and Control of New York City (CACC), promoted fostering for those who enjoy taking care of animals, but cannot commit to them.
She said foster parents can watch animals from a few days to a couple of months, based on the volunteer’s availability.
“When you take an animal out of a shelter, you’re actually freeing up a cage for another animal to come in,” said Palagonia.
Regina Massaro, Director and Founder of the Spay Neuter Intervention Project, introduced the organization as a spay and neuter initiative in inner city communities.
She said, “We spay and neuter junkyard dogs and bodega deli cats.”
Massaro warned that animals out in the open are a risk for both business owners and customers. She personally goes to businesses offering owners free spay or neuter surgeries and vaccinations.
If owners are reluctant to agree, she informs them that she will file a complaint against them.
In conjunction with CACC, RHBA will be distributing patriotic favors for the Flag Day weekend.
RHBA is hosting a Pet Adoption Day on June 13 from noon until 4 p.m. at Forest Park’s Buddy Monument, located on the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South.
In addition to adopting pets, guests can donate unused pet food for local food pantries.
Standard CACC adoption fees will apply.
Contact Program Director Joan Bachert at 718-849-3759 for more information.