Town News

Hempstead animal shelter activists speak up

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A pair of animal rights activists, who have long called for reforms at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh, spoke up at a recent board meeting with concerns about the future of the facility.

Lucille DeFina said she was disturbed by the resignation of the shelter’s assistant director, while Diane Madden has begun a petition to ensure that fewer animals are euthanized there. Each addressed the Hempstead Town Council on Sept. 16, which also was the date that the town announced a new partnership with local businesses to increase adoptions.

DeFina spoke to the departure of Stacie Dabolt, the assistant director of operations at the animal shelter. “I just had to let them know how we feel about it,” DeFina said. “I won’t be surprised if we don’t start having major problems and issues again at the shelter.”

In 2010, three animal rescue volunteers, including DeFina and Madden, sued the Town of Hempstead after they were banned from the shelter. They complained of poor conditions at the facility on Beltagh Avenue, and animal abuse and neglect. The town paid them a settlement of $150,000 and instituted reforms at the shelter, including the hiring of some new staff members.

Those included Dabolt, who DeFina said was a liaison between the shelter and the activists. DeFina, of Merrick, said she and Madden have not been as outspoken in recent years, because they wanted to give town officials a chance to make improvements. However, she said they are not satisfied.

“We have quieted down over the last couple of years because they seemed to want to improve the shelter,” DeFina said. “We’re hoping that they understand that with Stacie leaving, if things don’t start moving in the right direction, we will be vocal again.”

Madden is looking to get the town to change its practices on euthanasia. Her online petition cites the case of Yankee and Cece, two pet pit bulls taken out of their Hempstead home by police and animal control officials. The dogs were then put down at the shelter.

She said that the family spoke little English, and were unaware they were signing a document consenting to the euthanasia. “There were two family pets,” Madden said. “They are just two faces out of many, many faces that do not get out of the animal shelter.”

Madden, of East Meadow, is seeking a statewide bill that would eliminate the option of “on-demand killing” and “owner request for euthanasia.” Municipal animal control facilities should not be allowed to take in animals for euthanasia, the petition states, except for cases of “irredeemable suffering or untreatable medical conditions,” which must be diagnosed and put in writing by a veterinarian.

The petition states that every animal should first and foremost be given a right to life. As of Monday, the online petition had more than 2,400 signatures. Madden said she also plans to go door-to-door to garner support.

“Hopefully it will change the policies, ultimately, and the law,” she said.

DeFina said other concerns include improving medical care for animals at the shelter, increased community outreach and education, and transparency on how money from a donation account is being used. She and Madden have subsequently met with the town attorney, and are hoping for improved outcomes.

The town did not respond to questions as of press time.