Pompton Lakes Veterinarian Named IDA's
“Guardian of the Month”
Dedicated Veterinarian is Recognized By National Animal Protection Organization for Embodying His Profession's Oath to Protect Animal Health and Relieve Suffering 

Pompton Lakes, N.J.-- Before allowing veterinarians to treat patients, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) requires that every prospective practitioner take an oath to protect animal health and relieve animal suffering. Few veterinary physicians have taken this solemn oath as close to their hearts as Dr. George Cattiny of Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital in New Jersey. As part of his veterinary practice, Dr. Cattiny runs a no-kill shelter funded out of his own pocket. Meanwhile, he has made it his mission to convince the Borough of Pompton Lakes to build a full-fledged no-kill shelter for all the homeless animals in the area who need loving care. 

Dr. Cattiny is also a strong proponent of In Defense of Animals (IDA)'s Guardian Campaign and has actively supported it in Wanaque, N.J. When a local resident, Bruce Zeman, first sought to incorporate the term “Guardian” into the city’s animal-related codes, Dr. Cattiny was the only veterinarian courageous enough to offer assistance in support of the effort. In a great victory for animal companions, "Nathan's Law" passed with flying colors in May 2004. Later, the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA) led an effort to reverse the city's decision, so Zeman enlisted Dr. Cattiny's help in defending the ordinance. He came straight to the hearing after performing surgery, still wearing his scrubs, and spoke eloquently to the Mayor and city council about the importance of being a guardian. Dr. Cattiny's comments were especially crucial to the cause because they came directly from a respected professional of important standing in the community. His testimony tipped the balance in favor of animal guardians and the ordinance was left intact. 

IDA’s Guardian Campaign seeks to raise standards of animal care by replacing the word “owner” with the more compassionate term “guardian” in everyday speech, the media, and in official city ordinances. Over 40 cities in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the entire State of Rhode Island, already recognize their residents as animal guardians in their ordinances.

“Dr. Cattiny embodies the true spirit of what it means to be a veterinarian and an animal guardian,” says IDA President and Founder, Elliot M. Katz, DVM. “We are proud to name Dr. George Cattiny our “Guardian of the Month” for January and look forward to a fruitful partnership that will benefit our animal friends.”

For more information on IDA’s Guardian Campaign, visit www.GuardianCampaign.com.