Judge Stops Comptroller's Audit Of Animal Shelter

A judge has placed a temporary restraining order to prohibit Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos from auditing the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.

The restraining order, Newsday reports, was placed by a judge after protests from the town that the comptroller was overstepping his bounds as a financial watchdog.

Maragos, who is running for county executive, announced the audit in February after he said he received many complaints from residents and animal rights groups about conditions at the shelter. The comptroller said his office would be auditing the finances and operation of the shelter. The groups that Maragos spoke to alleged animal neglect, unnecessary deaths, unsanitary conditions and unqualified staff at the shelter.

Attorneys for the town, however, said the comptroller was overstepping his bounds. They claimed he had no authority to audit anything outside of the shelter's finances.

The judge set a court date of March 13 for both sides to present their cases.

Photo: Patch