High gas prices kill strays? Well, no, they don’t. But a van service that saves them from being euthanized does, and it’s having budget problems. With the average price of regular gas in the city at $3.11, the program may be forced to limit trips back and forth between the pound and foster homes. This year, the privately funded group, run by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, budgeted $15,000, but the actual cost has jumped to nearly $45,000. Each month, about 160 animals are transported to foster homes not only in the city, but also Long Island, Westchester and Connecticut. The summer is the busiest year for shelters, which can only cage stray kitties and pups for three days, while they wait to take that long walk toward the light. Ultimately, 52 percent of them are put to sleep each year. So next time you see a dog begging on the street or a kitty turning tricks, don’t turn your nose up in disgust. Maybe you can find it in your heart to help out the mayor’s program by donating or volunteering. After all, these poor defenseless cuties don’t even get a vote.
