NYC Kitten Rescue Bans MAGA Supporters From Adoptions
Itty Bitty City Kitties cites 'public conduct and demonstrated values' as criteria for potential adopters, sparking debate.
A New York City-based kitten rescue organization, Itty Bitty City Kitties, has announced a policy prohibiting supporters of the MAGA movement from adopting cats from their agency.
Samantha Knox, the director of Itty Bitty City Kitties, told Fox News that the organization evaluates potential adopters based on their 'public conduct and demonstrated values.' She stated that a history of 'celebrating harm or abuse, be it toward people or animals' is considered a red flag. The rescue will not place a vulnerable animal with anyone they feel poses a danger to its welfare.
The agency, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in orphaned and neonatal kittens, defended its screening approach. Knox clarified that MAGA is considered a political movement and ideology, not a registered political party, and that the decision is not based on registered party affiliation. However, the agency's Instagram post also indicated that self-identified conservatives would not be welcomed.
Knox elaborated on the screening criteria, stating that an evaluation would be made based on 'conduct, ethical alignment and animal safety.' The rescue's post on Instagram detailed desired adopter traits, including supporting mutual aid and having progressive values. It also stated, 'We reserve the right to reject any application where an applicant’s expressed values, public statements or actions demonstrate a failure to meet our safety and welfare standards.'
The policy has drawn criticism, including from PETA. Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA, told Fox News that 'Homeless animals don’t care which side of abortion you are on or whether you believe in global warming or support Palestine or Israel or if you don’t vote at all, ever.' Newkirk added, 'We hope this policy, which is human-centric, is reconsidered and abolished.' PETA stated that political affiliation is not a reliable measure of guardianship suitability.
Itty Bitty City Kitties has reportedly received numerous hateful messages following the announcement, which Knox suggested illustrates the type of conduct the rescue considers when evaluating prospective homes.
