NYC rescue Itty Bitty City Kitties defended a post saying MAGA supporters, conservatives and apolitical applicants need not apply. Its director says screening weighs conduct and values, not party affiliation, but did not say whether MAGA or conservative applicants could adopt.
Knox said active support for movements the rescue believes normalize cruelty can count as “actionable conduct.” Asked whether MAGA or conservative applicants with no documented history of animal cruelty, threats, neglect or violence could adopt, she gave no yes-or-no answer. PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk called for the policy to be abolished, arguing political affiliation is not a reliable measure of guardianship; the group said rescues should assess animal-care history, ability to meet an animal’s needs, and evidence of cruelty, neglect or violence.
The rescue’s public adoption page describes a process requiring an application, references, employment and living information, a phone interview and a video interview instead of a home visit. It also lists requirements for veterinary care, indoor or leashed outdoor living, no declawing, a plan for travel, illness or death, and the financial ability to care for an animal; the published list does not mention politics or ideology.
