Animal Cruelty

In a guest blog for The Huffington Post, ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker applauds New York City’s new pet store regulations.

When Thomas H. was suffering from trauma and depression, his doctor suggested that a pet might help. Thomas agreed to look into it, but little did he know that a tiny kitten named Jonny would do more than provide comfort—he would change Thomas’s life forever. Here is their very Happy Tail of hope, healing and new beginnings.

By Matt Bershadker, ASPCA CEO

Photo: NYC Council Members Corey Johnson and Elizabeth Crowley, who spearheaded this legislation, flank ASPCA President and CEO Matthew Bershadker as he speaks at this morning's rally in support of stronger pet store regulations.

We couldn’t be more thrilled to share the news that the New York City Council today voted in favor of Introductions 55-A, 136-A and 146-A, legislation to regulate city pet stores that sell puppies. Certain provisions of the bills will take effect as soon as January.

On a hot August day in 2013, the ASPCA assisted in the rescue of 367 dogs in the second-largest dog-fighting bust in United States history.

They were known as “The 367,” and on that day, their lives changed forever.