A New York City kitten rescue, Itty Bitty City Kitties, is facing backlash for its adoption policy that explicitly states MAGA supporters, conservatives, and apolitical individuals need not apply. The organization, based in Rockaway Beach and recognized as a nonprofit, argues that these policies are essential for the welfare of the animals.
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PETA's founder, Ingrid Newkirk, criticized the ban, stating that animals do not care about political ideologies. She called for the policy to be abolished, emphasizing that the focus should be on loving and safe homes for homeless pets.
In an email to Fox News Digital, Samantha Knox, the rescue's director, asserted that alignment with social movements which promote cruelty or suffering disqualifies potential adopters. A social media post from the organization included an image stating, "NO. F---ING. MAGA," which drew significant attention and criticism after being shared on X (formerly Twitter).
When questioned about the possibility of rejecting applicants solely based on their MAGA or conservative beliefs, Knox reaffirmed that they do not screen applicants based on registered political parties. However, she noted that their evaluation considers "conduct, ethical alignment, and animal safety," and can reject applicants whose expressed values suggest a risk to animals.
Knox clarified that Itty Bitty City Kitties does not use political affiliation as a disqualifier, although they reserve the right to reject applications if an applicant's values indicate a potential danger to animal welfare. She asserted that they conduct evaluations with a holistic approach to ensure the safety of the animals in their care.
The organization’s adoption criteria require applicants to provide references, participate in interviews, and demonstrate an ability to meet the animals' needs. While their public requirements do not reference political ideologies, the rescue has made other politically charged posts, such as one that read, "Kittens. Don’t. Mourn. Nazis."
As debate continues over the appropriateness of using political affiliation as a metric for adoption eligibility, PETA argues that rescuers should focus on objective factors related to animal care, such as an applicant’s history of kindness toward animals rather than their political beliefs. Knox maintains that the rescue’s mission allows for issue-based standards without engaging in partisan politics.