NYPD auxiliary police with (from left to right) ASPCA’s Michelle Villagomez, Dr. Jasmine Bruno, President and CEO Matt Bershadker, Shadina Arnett, Erin Earley and Lucy Jaton at the 102^nd Precinct event.

On Tuesday, August 6, ASPCA staff and volunteers joined police officers at eight total events spanning New York City to celebrate National Night Out events. We also had ASPCA representatives participating at events in Los Angeles and Miami, Florida.

Established in 1984, National Night Out is an annual initiative aimed at strengthening community ties and enhancing partnerships between the police and local communities.

In New York, our Community Engagement and Humane Law Enforcement teams work every day in neighborhoods with limited resources to ensure that residents have access to supplies and services for their pets. They are often referred to us by local police officers.

Commanding Officer Inspector Joseph G. Tompkins at the 40^th Precinct event with (from left to right) ASPCA’s Matt Goldweber, President and CEO Matt Bershadker, Erin Earley and David Little.

This year, we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of our partnership with the NYPD. Since the partnership’s inception, more than 5,000 animals have been removed from situations of suspected cruelty, and more than 28,000 NYPD officers have been trained by ASPCA subject matter experts to effectively recognize and respond to suspected animal cruelty.

At each location, teams distributed giveaways like reusable tote bags, expandable water bowls and coloring books as well as informational flyers containing valuable dog and cat care information and details on adoption and volunteer opportunities in New York City.

Katherine Zuniga, ASPCA Community Engagement Coordinator, attended this year for her first ever National Night Out at the 33^rd precinct in Washinton Heights.

“My first National Night Out was amazing!” Katherine said. “I connected with two members of the community who were in need of help with their pets. I’m glad that I was able to provide them with our services and I know this will make a big difference in their pet’s quality of life. I hope we can continue supporting the community for many years to come!”

Commanding Officer of the 33^rd Precinct Captain Christian R. Hernandez with (from left to right) ASPCA’s Paul Mayr, President and CEO Matt Bershadker, Dr. Robert Reisman, Marielle Jankowski, Katherine Zuniga, Eric Lee, Erin Earley and David Little at the 33^rd Precinct event.

Katherine wasn’t the only first-timer! Lucy Jaton, ASPCA Education & Training Manager, Community Cats, participated in the 102^nd precinct in Queens for her first time.

“The 102nd precinct in Queens was joyous and full of pet owners who were ready to receive ASPCA swag, which flew like hot cakes!” Lucy said. “I got to meet some local dogs and talked to several community members who had questions about outdoor cats. NYPD was incredibly welcoming and engaged with us and other event attendees. All in all, my first National Night out felt like a great success!”

ASPCA’s Meghan Carroll at the 19^th Precinct event with community member’s dog.

Roughly 200 people attended at each of the eight New York City locations. At these locations, people received valuable information about our services and multiple animals received appointments for grooming.

Dr. Abby Reichard and ASPCA volunteer Debbie Tobin inside the 19^th Precinct.

“A community engagement program is exactly what people need in this city. I’m glad to know there is a program like this. What you are doing is wonderful,” said Barbara, a member of the community.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, our foster team joined the Huntington Park Police Department’s National Night Out event. Our staff provided guidance to the public on what to do when you find kittens, as well as resources for low or no-cost spay/neuter services in the Los Angeles County areas to support pet parents in keeping their furry friends healthy.

ASPCA Foster Coordinator, Carmen Zheng, helps share lifesaving information with Los Angeles County Community Members.

“We enjoyed spreading the word about our foster program in Los Angeles County,” said Hella Tyler, Senior Manager of Foster Care in Los Angeles. “We had lots of fun at the event and are so grateful to the Huntington Park Police Department for the invitation. We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to engage with the community.”

And over in Miami, five ASPCA staff members gave out over 100 informational flyers and tons of other ASPCA swag to community members at their National Night Out event. They also had a wheel where people would spin and land on a question that they would have to answer. After they spun and answered, they, too, would receive a flyer.

Miami police officer with (from left to right) ASPCA’s Giselle Castrillon, Kerenyi Mirabal, Ana Carolina Cameira, Tatiana Silva and Marlee Cea.

“This is the second National Night Out I have attended with the ASPCA, and it was even bigger than the first as far as attendance,” said Marlee Cea, Client Operations Manager in Miami. “It goes to show the interest in engaging in community events our neighbors have and it was really great to see so many people despite the heat and engaging with so many service providers and law enforcement in such a fun and family-friendly evening. It always feels good when we get the chance to talk to people about the ASPCA and what we’re doing in community medicine and letting people know we’re here to help!”

ASPCA’s Tatiana Silva, Giselle Castrillon and Ana Carolina Cameira sharing ASPCA swag and flyers with community members.

“Every night should be National Night Out!” Giselle Castrillon, Certified Veterinary Technician, added.