RSS 2.0 FeedJanuary 27, 2011, Cover Stories, Wantagh Seaford Citizen
Wantagh animal shelter progress debated
Town responds to critics.
Some animal advocates are saying the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is not equipped to care for its population.
At a protest at the town animal shelter in Wantagh on Thursday, January 20, Derek Donnelly, an organizer for a group called Hope for Hempstead Shelter, said the shelter “is a haven for patronage and that with a $7 million budget, the shelter does not have basic services such as a full-time veterinarian and volunteer program.”
He also said that the changes the town has promised “have yet to materialize.”
The Town of Hempstead refutes these charges, pointing to reports issued by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets that gave the town a satisfactory rating. (Ratings are either satisfactory or unsatisfactory.) “I’m proud that the town’s shelter passed the state’s review with flying colors,” said town Supervisor Kate Murray in a press release. “Not only did we get positive overall reviews, but the state found no deficiencies in 30 separate categories covered in the reports.”
But Mr. Donnelly said, “The town knew they were coming, so they were prepared. This means nothing.”
Two former volunteers, Diane Madden and Lucille DeFina, agreed with him. “I was an independent rescuer for eight years and I saw a lot of neglect and deplorable conditions,” said Ms. Madden.
“The money is not going to the animals. I’m very worried about the cats,” said Ms. DeFina.
Both women were banned from the Shelter on October 22. “We don’t know why,” said Ms. DeFina.
Meanwhile, the town initiated an investigation into the shelter and contacted the Nassau County district attorney’s office, who has launched its own investigation. Previously town spokesperson Susie Pokalsky told The Citizen that the issues were administrative in nature and had nothing to do with mistreatment of animals.
The banned volunteers and other animal advocates went to Town Hall in late October to ask for changes at the shelter.
The town issued a press release last fall stating it would make sweeping changes at the shelter. Its pet care agenda would include a full-time veterinarian, a behaviorist and a pet-rescue liaison, among other changes. The town also removed its acting director Charles Milone and adoption coordinator Regina Thorne from their positions.
On January 11, advocates planned to speak out at the Town Hall meeting. However, the Town of Hempstead canceled its public comment section of the meeting “due to a security risk under investigation by the police,” said Ms. Pokalsky.
“It had nothing to do with the animal shelter; it was purely a matter of safety. We called students [who were planning on attending the meeting] and told them not to come in.”
“Residents of the town came to speak publicly on behalf of animals that can’t speak for themselves and for taxpayer rights,” said Mr. Donnelly. “We are calling into question whether there was a legitimate threat or was the town trying to silence the voice of the people? One would think a security risk that involves public safety would prompt other security measures. There were no other apparent security measures in place at the meeting.”
On January 12 the town shelter was back in the news when town animal control officers were called to a Rockville Centre home to rescue 17 severely neglected dogs that were urine soaked and filthy.
A town press release stated that shelter staff removed 10 pounds of matted hair from rescued animals, provided immediate medical attention and worked into the night to clean groom and comfort the animals.
“Recent rescues by shelter workers spoke volumes about the passion and professionalism of the town’s animal care team,” said Supervisor Murray in a press release
Joe Panz of Rescue Ink added, “We support the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter in their efforts to raise awareness about animal mistreatment and enhance the quality of life for animals in need of care.”
