L&M Publications
Merrick Life • Bellmore Life • Freeport-Baldwin Leader • Wantagh-Seaford Citizen

Town of Hempstead officials announced that it will enhance services at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter including   full time veterinary services, an aggressive pet rescue program, construction of a new pet play area and a pro-active pet adoption program that will place more dogs and cats in loving homes.

These improvements were announced in the midst of ongoing investigations by the town and  the Nassau County district attorney’s office.

In October the town banned several rescuers from the shelter and began a review of policies and procedures at the facility, turning over its findings to the district attorney’s office. 

Then in November, dozens of residents showed up at Town Hall to voice their concerns about the animals and the shelter.

While town officials cannot comment on the details of an ongoing town review, as well as a district attorney investigation that has started at the town’s request, Supervisor Murray indicated that the investigations are not the result of any reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse or mistreatment.

Acting Director Charlie Milone and  adoption coordinator Regina Thorne have been transferred from their jobs pending the outcome of the investigation. 

In March of 2009, The Citizen interviewed Mr. Milone about the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter after the  adjacent Bideawee animal adoption center closed. The Bideawee learning center and the pet cemetery remain open.

Mr. Milone insisted the shelter was no longer “the old dog pound. Everyone here loves the animals. It’s a very humane place; a place that puts the animals’ well-being first and foremost,” he said, referring to one dog who had been at the shelter “for two years [March 2009]. We’ll keep her until the right person comes through that door. She is a very loving dog and very happy.” 

Mr. Milone said it was only under very specific circumstances that an animal was euthanized.

Susie Pokalsky, spokesperson for the Town of Hempstead, told The Citizen what has been the policy for some time. Animals are euthanized if they are “terminally ill, if it is ordered by a judge or if it is requested by the owner when the animal is terminally ill,” she said.

Meanwhile, residents want to see changes brought to the shelter, which has a $7.1 million budget. It is the largest municipal shelter on Long Island.

“We’re working hard to provide optimal care for cats and dogs at the town’s animal shelter,” stated Supervisor Kate Murray. “Many upgrades and enhancements have been initiated over the past several years, but we are looking ahead, armed with a progressive pet care agenda, to foster the best pet shelter experience possible for animals in the town’s care.”

Progressive pet care 

Full-time veterinary services – The town’s shelter will begin interviews for full-time (40 hours per week) veterinary services to be retained for animal care and emergency animal medical services. Currently the town contracts with various veterinarians and uses an animal hospital within 1/8 mile of the shelter.

A behaviorist –  The town has begun interviews to retain the services of an animal behaviorist. Behaviorists are useful in determining whether certain animals which may evidence anti-social traits are adoptable or may become adoptable after rehabilitative care, said town officials. 

Pet rescue liaison – The animal shelter is seeking to hire a liaison to pet rescue organizations. The liaison will be tasked with identifying particular animal breeds or types that specific pet rescue groups have the ability to integrate into healthy family living situations. Emphasis will be placed on hiring a person with credentials and contacts in the pet rescue community.

Volunteers welcomed – Hempstead’s Animal Shelter will start a volunteer program in the next couple of months. Volunteers will be screened and incorporated into a pet care schedule that will include pet interaction, exercise and companionship. 

Canine corral pet play area –  Officials are looking into the construction of a canine corral, replete with pet- friendly synthetic turf, to augment the 16- pet running exercise areas at the shelter. The corral would facilitate group play. 

Intermunicipal research project –  Town staff has begun studying pet shelter protocols, policies and procedures at other governmental and private shelters to develop a “best practices” program.

Greeters/Adoption Experts – Visitors to the shelter will now be greeted by personnel who will help identify the breed and/or animal type preference of prospective adopters and assist them in locating pets that best match the adopter’s criteria. 

Educational Affiliation – Admini-strators have begun preliminary talks with an area institute of higher learning that may result in animal care/behaviorist students performing internships or related programs at the shelter.

Pet adoption promotional programs –  Hempstead officials will continue and expand successful pet adoption programs such as pet fairs, holiday and summer adoption promotions that feature the waiving of adoption fees and visits to schools and Scouting groups. 

Trap, neuter, return program – Shelter officials are working to commence a trap-neuter-return program to stem unwanted pregnancies among feral (wild) cats.

Web posting – Expanded Internet posting of all shelter pets available for adoption has already taken place and will continue to be refined. 

“The town’s animal shelter has many loving cats and dogs in our care,” said Ms. Murray. “We are going to do everything possible to improve the quality of life for our pets and move swiftly to place them in appropriate permanent homes.” 

The progressive pet care agenda will complement a host of already-implemented town initiatives designed to improve care and promote adoptions. 

All three kennels at the shelter have been completely refurbished over the past two years; a total of 16 pet exercise runs have been constructed; pet viewing, greeting and visiting areas have been overhauled; pet adoption promotional events have been increased; and additional humane education, canine companion and educational outreach initiatives have been expanded. 

“As a person who cares deeply about animals, I am insistent that dogs and cats at our shelter receive the best care possible,” said Supervisor Murray. 

By Laura Schofer

Laura Schofer, staff writer for L&M Publications, has been recognized with several awards for many of her feature pieces published in Bellmore and Merrick Life, The Citizen and The Leader.