ST. GEORGE — A new program aims to cut down on animal abuse cases in Staten Island by offering help to pay for veterinary care.
District Attorney Dan Donovan joined Animal Care & Control of NYC and Veterinary Centers of America on Tuesday to announce the first Animal Neglect Prevention Program to help residents pay for health care.
"Living with financial hardship can be tough, but that is no reason for the health of an animal to suffer as well," Donovan said. "I foresee this as a way to stem animal abuse and for pet owners to avoid potential arrest for abuse."
Donovan said that his office has had 14 cases of animal abuse this year, including a three-month-old puppy thrown out of her owner's car because she told police she couldn't afford vet bills.
Joseph Free, 48, was also arrested for torturing an animal this year after his 6-year-old puggle, Finch, did not get the necessary treatment for a fractured leg and eventually had to have it amputated, Donovan said.
The new program, which will give pet owners a number to call to ask for help for low-to-mid cost services, aims to give proper care for animals and prevent their owners from getting charged, Donovan said.
"This is not a free pass for those who harm animals," Donovan said. "Those cruel individuals will still be vigorously prosecuted by my office."
Donovan said there would be no income cut off for aid, but the hospitals that care for the animals will evaluate the needs of owners that call into the hotline, Donovan said.
The owners need to provide proof of need that can include public assistance, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and show they have no other source of income or a family member of friend willing to pay for the care.
Owners can call the DA's Animal Neglect Prevention Program hotline at 718-876-6300 and set up an appointment with four participating animal hospitals in the borough.
