Oreo's Law

The Victim:

A tragic story of a dog named Oreo lead to a New York law that prevents the killing of animals who may otherwise be helped by the effort of a No Kill rescue group.

Our animals only ask to be fed, walked and loved; so little to expect from humans for what these pets give to us in return. Oreo was a one year old dog who was taken to a building rooftop six floors up and thrown off by her cold and abusive owner in June last year. This cruel act led to both of Oreo's front legs being broken and a rib fractured. But, according to Oreo's neighbors, this was not the first incidence of Oreo's abuse. Neighbors stated that they often heard the sounds of Oreo being hit. Unfortunately, none of these neighbors reported it in time to save her.

The Supposed Rescue:

The ASPCA finally stepped in and helped Oreo get back on her feet again, literally. The owner was arrested and charged. Oreo made a full recovery and was called a 'miracle dog'.

However, the same organization that saved Oreo also turned their back on her.

The Unrighteous Death:


Although photo's taken of Oreo during and after her recovery shows her as a calm and loving dog, she was accused of showing an aggressive side. The ASPCA did a variety of testing to examine her temperament. They deemed her aggressive and after reviewing the test results, Ed Sayres, the President of the ASPCA, made the fatal decision to kill Oreo.

However, feeling that Oreo had a chance at being rehabilitated, an experienced rescue group, Pets Alive in Middletown, NY, wanted to take her in and give her a chance. So they called Ed Sayres and his secretary and left voice mail messages. Finally representatives from Pets Alive, called the ASPCA Press Office and everyone else on the ASPCA's website contact page.

Instead of getting through to someone, Pets Alive representatives were either ignored, hung up on or lied to. Finally, the ASPCA officially turned down their offer, even though Pets Alive is well-known for their experience in rehabilitating abused dogs.

The ASPCA put Oreo down.

Oreo's Law:

Had Oreo lived in California, she would not have been killed. In 1998, California legislators passed a law that it made it illegal for any shelter to kill any dog if a No Kill shelter or other type of rescue group offered to take the dog in, even if the shelter had deemed the dog to be aggressive.

Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner and State Senator Thomas K. Duane, introduced a similar bill to the New York State Legislature that would prevent shelters from killing innocent animals, if an alternative home had been offered. The bill states that if a reasonable alternative from a rescue group were available to attempt rehabilitation, then they would be allowed to take the animal in to their care instead of the animal being euthanized.

This law has affectionately been called "Oreo's Law".

"The humane treatment of animals in the care of shelters is an issue about which I feel very strongly. No animal should be put down by a shelter if a reputable humane or rescue organization is willing to assume responsibility for its well being. Oreo's Law would make sure that in instances where animals aren't rabid or physically suffering, such organizations have the authority to take possession with the payment of the normal adoption fee, and that Oreo's sad plight will not be repeated," said Senator Thomas K. Duane.

Nathan J. Winograd, the Director of the national No Kill Advocacy Center, has created an informative website detailing Oreo's plight at Yes Or No Oreo's Law.com.

Successful shelter directors from both SPCA and Non-SPCA shelters, animal rights advocates and feral cat advocates across the USA have all offered their support of Oreo's Law.

Rest in Peace, Oreo.

Photo Credit: Meagan