NYC Kitten Rescue Defends Controversial 'No MAGA' Adoption Policy Amid Criticism

A New York City-based kitten rescue organization is defending its policy of not adopting to supporters of former President Donald Trump's political movement, a stance that has drawn criticism from animal welfare groups including PETA.

Itty Bitty City Kitties, a Rockaway Beach-based nonprofit specializing in orphaned and neonatal kittens, has stated on social media that applicants identifying with the "MAGA" movement, or those who are conservative or claim to be apolitical, need not apply for adoption. An image accompanying one of its posts explicitly read, "NO. F–KING. MAGA."

The rescue's director, Samantha Knox, defended the policy, asserting that the organization's primary responsibility is to ensure animals go to safe and compassionate homes. She stated that the rescue evaluates applicants based on "public conduct and demonstrated values," arguing that a history of "celebrat[ing] cruelty" can raise concerns about suitability to care for an animal.

"A history of celebrating harm or abuse, be it toward people or animals, is one of the biggest red flags in animal rescue," Knox told Fox News Digital. "We stand by our mission and will never place a vulnerable animal with anyone, ever, who we feel is a danger to the welfare of the animal."

However, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk criticized the policy, stating that political affiliation should not be a basis for adoption. "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 said. "We hope this policy, which is humancentric, is reconsidered and abolished." PETA advocates for shelters and rescues to focus on "objective animal welfare factors," such as an applicant's history of animal care, their ability to meet an animal's needs, and any evidence of cruelty, neglect, or violence.

When pressed on whether an applicant who identifies as MAGA or conservative, but has no documented history of animal cruelty or violence, would be eligible for adoption, Knox clarified that Itty Bitty City Kitties does not screen based on registered political party affiliation, calling MAGA a "political movement and ideology, not a recognized political party."

She reiterated that adoption evaluations focus on "conduct, ethical alignment and animal safety," and that decisions are made holistically. "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," Knox added.

The rescue's publicly listed adoption requirements do not mention political affiliation or ideology. These requirements include that adopters keep animals up-to-date on veterinary care, maintain a plan for travel or illness, and be financially able to provide for the animal's welfare.

Itty Bitty City Kitties has also used its social media for other political messaging, including a post featuring a kitten with the text "Kittens. Don’t. Mourn. Nazis.", which was published around the anniversary of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Knox defended the rescue's ability to maintain issue-based standards as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, stating they are permitted to align with their mission as long as they do not engage in partisan campaigning.