MISSION
The Toby Project will end the killing of tens of thousands of adoptable dogs and cats each year in New York City's municipal animal shelters by preventing the births of unwanted dogs and cats.
We will make New York City a true "no-kill' city by delivering free spay/neuter services to all five boroughs of New York City using mobile surgical vans specifically equipped for this purpose. By reaching out to targeted communities, our aim is to prevent the breeding of the very dogs and cats whose offspring account for most of the animals relinquished to our municipal shelters, where they are often killed.
HISTORY
In 2007, 40% of the 44,000 dogs and cats taken to municipal shelters in New York City were killed simply because there were not enough homes to meet the demand. This intolerable problem exists because the City's uncontrolled stray population reproduces naturally -- and too many pet owners allow their dogs and cats to breed without contemplating the consequences.
While many pet owners find wonderful companions through animal shelters, it is well-documented that successful adoption programs alone will not solve the pet overpopulation crisis. Alternatively, adequately funded spay/neuter programs that target low income communities has led to great success in reducing shelter populations and subsequent high death rates in cities in New Hampshire , Utah and California.
VISION
The Toby Project will fund the operation of 5 mobile spay/neuter vans to provide free spay/neuter services to those communities that supply or surrender the most animals to municipal shelters. Additionally, we will provide the community outreach and education necessary to influence our target audience. Success for The Toby Project means the prevention of thousands of unwanted births and an end to the killing of these innocent animals.
INSPIRATION
The Toby Project was inspired by the personal and professional experiences of Dr. Andrew J. Kaplan whose compassion and integrity have earned him and his veterinary practice, City Veterinary Care, both critical acclaim and a loyal following.
Dr. Kaplan's accidental meeting and subsequent adoption of Toby -- a mixed-breed dog, mislabeled as "unadoptable" and hours away from euthanasia -- changed the course of both of their lives. Toby put a penetrating face on the animal overpopulation crisis that had been troubling Dr. Kaplan for years.
A devoted supporter of rescue organizations, and one who has worked tirelessly to help ease the burden of their medical care expenses, Dr. Kaplan is dedicating the rest of his professional career toward solving the #1 killer of dogs and cats in this city and country - pet overpopulation.
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Consider the following:
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In New York City alone, more than 17,000 dogs and cats will be killed this year in our municipal animal shelter system
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In New York City shelters, approximately 70 dogs and cats are killed each day due to overpopulation
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The reduction of shelter populations due to the prevention of unwanted births will allow an increase in the time and resources available for finding suitable adoptive homes for shelter animals
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Prevention of unwanted births reduces the expenditure of your tax dollars used to house and kill New York City's dog and cat surplus
