'Oreo's Law' Would Give Dogs a Second Chance at Life

The case of Oreo, an abused dog who was put down after her rescue by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (APSCA), brought to light a tragic loophole in our animal protection laws.  This week, I am introducing legislation to close that loophole and save the lives of thousands of abused and injured animals in New York State.

This new legislation will allow animal welfare organizations the right to request animals be given to their care when a shelter is planning to euthanize them.  The bill will be sponsored in the State Senate by Senator Tom Duane.

The bill, modeled on an existing law in California, is named Oreo's Law in memory of the pit bull mix who became well-known after she survived abuse at the hands of her former owner, including a fall from a six-story building, but was eventually euthanized after the ASPCA determined that she was untreatably aggressive.  Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, specializing in the rehabilitation and care of abused animals, offered to take Oreo, but the ASPCA refused the request.

As a dog owner and a foster parent for an animal rescue group, I was heartbroken to learn that Oreo was euthanized.  When humane organizations volunteer their expertise in difficult cases, shelters should work with them to the fullest extent possible.  This legislation will give tragically abused animals like Oreo another chance at life.