LOOKING A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH

ADDITIONAL "INDEPENDENT" DIRECTORS TO SERVE ON THE AC&C BOARD

Hold on!  The DOH had yet another piece of news.  It will allow the AC&C Board to add 2 more "independent" directors whose selection will no longer require Mayoral approval.  Our report questions whether this is the "game changer" it's touted to be.  Or will the DOH remain the de facto gatekeeper to the Board? 

The final news blast was (drumroll) that the DOH once again renewed its services contract with the AC&C.  (No surprise there.)      

  WHY THIS NEW DOH GENEROSITY?

That's a very interesting question.  Remember how in late 2011 the DOH began pumping monies into the cash-starved AC&C?  That wasn't because the DOH felt guilty about how animals were suffering.  And it sure wasn't it in recognition of the AC&C's performance.  (The DOH has never ever failed to praise the AC&C's performance.)    

Rather, it was in exchange for being relieved of the legal mandate to build shelters in the Bronx and Queens.  The DOH made out like a bandit ... not having to build those shelters.   

Flash forward 3-1/2 years.  Now the DOH promises even more financial support for the AC&C.  Why?  AC&C Executive Director Risa Weinstock claimed it was the City's recognition that the AC&C "deserved" and "earned" this largesse.  

Not so, said a member of the public, who explained it was the result of intense behind-the-scenes meetings between several animal advocacy organizations and Mayor Bill de Blasio's representatives.  Pressure is mounting for the Mayor to make good on animal welfare campaign promises (one being to reform the AC&C).   

The upshot was that the DOH was ordered to do better by the AC&C.  For that, animal advocates should thank the Mayor.  But there's still more on the Mayor's to-do list for the AC&C.  As our report explains, what's required is true AC&C independence from the DOH, not the appearance of independence.  And, oh yes, what about those Bronx and Queens animal shelters?