![[BREAKING] NYC budget provides $1.5M in freebies for furry friends — including new pet-food pantry](https://nypost.com/wp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F2%2F2026%2F07%2Fnew-york-city-zohran-mamdani-132810763_b6bdca.jpg?w%3D1024)
The recently approved city budget will shell out $1.5 million in gifts for the Big Apple's furry friends, including the creation of a pet food pantry.
The city-funded initiatives will increase spending on free and low-cost animal spay and neuter services by 50%, or up to $750,000, in fiscal year 2027, according to budget documents reviewed by The Post.
A separate $750,000 will be allocated to launch a pilot pet food pantry, the first of its kind, the council's animal welfare group said in a social media post last week.
"These investments will help reduce animal overpopulation, relieve pressure on the shelter system, and ensure that New Yorkers are not forced to choose between basic needs and feeding their pets," the group wrote.
Flatbush Cats, a charity that cares for stray and feral cats, will be the primary provider of subsidized spay and neuter services funded by a $500,000 core grant.
The remaining funds will be distributed among other animal care centers and nonprofit organizations.
The year-long pet food pantry pilot project is led by $250,000 in funding to the Department of Social Services.
The pet pantry's total $750,000 funding, which is distributed through city council discretionary funds, is still being sorted among the organizations, the animal welfare group's president, Harvey Epstein, told The Post.
Follow live updates on Mayor Zohran Mamdani's socialist agenda and the latest in New York City politics.
While the caucus initially sought more than $4 million in funding for animal welfare causes, the group still celebrated securing a fraction of the city's historic budget of more than $128.5 billion.
He also applauded Council President Julie Menin for championing his efforts.
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“While there is more work to do, this investment is an important step toward a more compassionate and affordable city that keeps New Yorkers and their pets together,” the group wrote.
"No New Yorker should have to choose between caring for themselves or having a beloved pet, and we are grateful to the Animal Welfare Caucus for advocating for this funding to help keep pets in loving homes," the nonprofit animal organization's senior director of municipal affairs, Michelle Villagomez, said in a news release.
The Department of Social Services and City Hall did not respond to The Post's requests for comment.
The city-funded initiatives will increase spending on free and low-cost animal spay and neuter services by 50%, or up to $750,000, in fiscal year 2027, according to budget documents reviewed by The Post.
A separate $750,000 will be allocated to launch a pilot pet food pantry, the first of its kind, the council's animal welfare group said in a social media post last week.
"These investments will help reduce animal overpopulation, relieve pressure on the shelter system, and ensure that New Yorkers are not forced to choose between basic needs and feeding their pets," the group wrote.
Flatbush Cats, a charity that cares for stray and feral cats, will be the primary provider of subsidized spay and neuter services funded by a $500,000 core grant.
The remaining funds will be distributed among other animal care centers and nonprofit organizations.
The year-long pet food pantry pilot project is led by $250,000 in funding to the Department of Social Services.
The pet pantry's total $750,000 funding, which is distributed through city council discretionary funds, is still being sorted among the organizations, the animal welfare group's president, Harvey Epstein, told The Post.
Follow live updates on Mayor Zohran Mamdani's socialist agenda and the latest in New York City politics.
While the caucus initially sought more than $4 million in funding for animal welfare causes, the group still celebrated securing a fraction of the city's historic budget of more than $128.5 billion.
He also applauded Council President Julie Menin for championing his efforts.
By clicking above, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
“While there is more work to do, this investment is an important step toward a more compassionate and affordable city that keeps New Yorkers and their pets together,” the group wrote.
"No New Yorker should have to choose between caring for themselves or having a beloved pet, and we are grateful to the Animal Welfare Caucus for advocating for this funding to help keep pets in loving homes," the nonprofit animal organization's senior director of municipal affairs, Michelle Villagomez, said in a news release.
The Department of Social Services and City Hall did not respond to The Post's requests for comment.
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