State Grant To Help Renovate Animal Shelter In Briarcliff Manor

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY — Two agencies in the Hudson Valley are among 14 shelters and humane societies across the state that will receive funding through the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund in the new state budget.

The Companion Animal Capital Fund is the first state-funded program in the nation to support critical improvement projects at New York shelters. It allows these organizations to make significant updates to their facilities to enhance animal care and health, and help ensure adoptions for dogs and cats.

• Humane Society of Middletown (Middletown, Orange County): $439,000 for the of an addition and renovation of the current shelter. The project includes the construction of a new wing with quarantine and treatment areas and expanded animal housing areas to increase capacity.
• SPCA of Westchester (Briarcliff Manor, Westchester County): $500,000 for the construction of a new animal shelter to replace the current structure. The project will consolidate several buildings into a single, modern facility to modernize care.

There are also ways you can help.

Each year the SPCA sponsors a Dog Walk and Pet Fair. This year's event will be held at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in Yorktown on May 5.

The next event to benefit the Middletown Humane Society is the Book Signing by Author Alan Joseph on June 8. Meet the author of "Stones of Fire," enjoy a meal, and bring canned puppy, dog, kitten or cat food to donate to the shelter. Rustic Wheel House, 39 Main St., Chester, NY 10918 6-9 pm.

"The SPCA has been a temporary home for thousands of animals. The SPCA runs numerous programs such as their Golden Outreach Pet Therapy, a foster care component, the Simpson Clinic, and behavioral and enrichment programs that have literally opened doors for many animals that might have otherwise not been adopted," said state Sen. Terrence Murphy, in whose district the SPCA of Westchester is located. "I am proud to have helped provide the financial assistance that will assist the SPCA's rebuilding efforts. Refurbishing the facilities will enhance the experience of the shelter and increase its efficiency."

Ossining resident Mary Dusenberry founded the SPCA of Westchester in 1883 after she observed horses being mercilessly whipped and beaten as they trudged up nearby hills to deliver heavy loads of coal. Working with a group of caring friends, she obtained land on which to build the Society's first home and established a fund to be used to prevent cruelty to animals. The SPCA is still located on the same spot, making it one of the oldest landholders in Briarcliff Manor.

The SPCA has evolved to become a leader in animal welfare by not only sheltering abandoned cats, dogs and horses, but by serving the greater Westchester community through proactive outreach, affordable alternatives for veterinary care and educational services. Today, the SPCA of Westchester is the only humane society in Westchester County empowered to enforce the laws of New York State relating to animal cruelty.

Shannon Laukhuf, Executive Director for the SPCA said, "This important and substantial gift from New York State will help us to make our dreams of a brand new facility a reality."

PHOTO: Gigi is among the adoptable animals at http://www.middletownhumanesoc...