SPCA of Westchester Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Campus

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY — The SPCA of Westchester held its highly anticipated groundbreaking ceremony over the weekend with some of the organization's most generous supporters.

A very small group was present with safety and social distancing a top priority, SPCA officials said. The festivities will soon be featured on the SPCA’s website and social media.

"While this wasn’t the groundbreaking ceremony we’d envisioned prior to Covid-19, we wanted to celebrate our progress and share this incredible milestone in the SPCA’s rich history," said Executive Director Shannon Laukhuf. "Many wonderful contributors have so generously given to this lifesaving project and while we could only have a small group attend, we’re very excited to share our virtual groundbreaking online in the weeks ahead."

The animal rescue and adoption agency revealed its plan to build a larger, modernized care campus in 2019.

The old shelter, which hadn’t been updated since the 1960s, was cracked and crumbing and many of the dog kennels were not fully protected from the elements. To date, more than $8.2 million dollars has been raised towards their goal of $9.1 million dollars.

The new 27,000 square foot building will feature upgrades including:

• Indoor dog habitats for increased comfort, and outdoor day pens
• Luxury 4-story condos and multiple cage-free cattery areas
• A state-of-the-art veterinary hospital.
• A large indoor space to serve as a training and enrichment center for dogs.
• A classroom for humane education presentations to local school children, youth groups and the popular Camp Critter day camp.

To take a virtual tour and learn more about the SPCA’s Capital Campaign, visit SPCA914.ORG.