Sunset Park fair offers tips on pet care

September 27, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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Lots of kittens and puppies have found new homes in Sunset Park, thanks to a pet fair Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez co-hosted with the A.S.P.C.A.

The fair, which took place on Sept. 18, was held for two reasons: to find homes for animals and to raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering New York City’s furry friends, Gonzalez said.

The day-long event offered free pet services for the community, along with prizes and pet adoptions. Residents also got the opportunity to speak with A.S.P.C.A. experts about pet health.

“Each summer, the city’s shelters are inundated with hundreds of kittens and puppies without homes,” Aimee Christian, vice president of the A.S.P.C.A.’s Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics program, said. “The ASPCA is encouraging all pet parents to do their part in reducing the amount of homeless animals in New York by having their own cat or dog spayed or neutered.”

Among the free services available in addition to the spay/neuter surgery were micro-chipping to help identify lost animals, vaccinations, as well as expert behavior and grooming advice.

The Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, a group that works with abandoned animals, brought a score of cats and kittens for adoption. Neighborhood Cats, a national organization that guided the development of a program to trap, neuter, and return animals to the wild, had their local representatives on hand to describe the services they provide.

“I am so grateful to the A.S.P.C.A. and all the groups who presented for stepping to the plate and partnering with me on this great event. They have always been there for all animals and the people who love them. The pets in our lives really are our best friends. Living with a pet or rescuing an animal is a great thing to do,” González said.

“Our best friends deserve our best care. At the same time we should realize we need to be good neighbors by ensuring they’re vaccinated and we must always clean-up after our friends,” the councilwoman added.