Animal Activist Began Weekend Stay in Miami-Dade Animal Services Cage

Michael Rosenberg is urging voters to vote "yes" on measure No. 240

An animal activist who planned to spend the weekend in a cage at the Miami-Dade Animals Services building began the stay Friday afternoon.

"There's no room," said Michael Rosenberg. "You can see this place is full."

Rosenberg gave NBC 6 South Florida a tour of the cage, which included a personalized water bowl, a lantern and a big pillow to sleep on.

"I feel sorry for the animals," Rosenberg said. "They shouldn't have to live like this, in places like this."

Rosenberg wants to raise awareness about the question on the Nov. 6 ballot, which will ask voters if they are in favor of taking an average of $20 per home per year from property taxes for Pets' Trust, the organization he founded.

A "yes" vote would create a fund of about $20 million to pay for various animal services including veterinary clinics to do the extra spaying and neutering necessary, Rosenberg said. It could prevent the death of 20,000 shelter animals each year, the activist said.

"They're healthy and they're adoptable," Rosenberg said. "There's nothing wrong with them. There's just too many."

Miami-Dade County Commissioners Approve "Dangerous Dogs" Online Registry, 9-1

Rosenberg told NBC 6 South Florida on Wednesday that the issue is not about politics.

“This is not Republican, Democrat. This is animals who have no voice,” he said. “Everyone knows the problems. They know there’s not enough funding.”

He also said residents should bring their children to see him in the cage, to teach them about being passionate and committed to a cause.

"Our reason for permitting this is to raise awareness about the homeless pets and the need for adoptions," said Kathy Labrada, the chief of shelter operations and enforcement for Miami-Dade Animal Services.

Celebrities including Miami’s own Gloria Estefan are also supporting the cause. She recently posted a Youtube video about the event.

Rosenberg plans to go home Sunday, a fate his roommates won't be as lucky to have, he said.

More Local News

Contact Us