Brookhaven Town Board Meeting
147 dogs at the shelter

May 28th, 2008




Good Evening. My name is Sue Hansen and I am a resident of Rocky Point.

I am also a volunteer with an animal rescue group and we have taken several dogs from the Brookhaven Shelter in the past and continue to do so.

In recent weeks there has been a noticeable increase in the number of dogs at the shelter ... as many as 147. The “normal” capacity is 80 - 100 and even that number is high.

One can speculate on the reasons for this increase. The failing economy, loss of jobs and foreclosed homes has had a trickle down effect. More dogs are being surrendered and/or abandoned.

To make matters worse, the overcrowding is exacerbated by recent cuts in personnel and the problem is further compounded when employees are out sick, on vacation or on disability. With fewer staff to care for the animals, there is less time to exercise, walk and socialize the dogs. The resulting confinement leads to anxiety, stress, restlessness and other adverse behaviors.

A specific example is “Sugar,” cc# 09-1171. Sugar was a companion pet, 6 months old when she was surrendered on March 18th. She is posted on the Brookhaven website with the description, (and I quote) “Sugar is a sweet and gentle dog.” On May 26th, when I last visited the shelter, Sugar was listed as a “Caution” dog. This label is placed on dogs that must be handled with care, often due to aggressive tendencies. The attendant indicated that when Sugar first arrived, she was fine. However, she had begun to show signs of regression – retreating to the back of her kennel, not making eye-contact and exhibiting anti-social behaviors. And although there is a staff member to address these problems, if the situation can not be corrected, Sugar may need to be euthanized. And that would be a travesty.

The under-staffing situation also limits the ability for the Shelter to conduct off-site adoptions. These events used to be held on week-ends in various locations throughout the community to promote adoptions and increase exposure. However, because there are fewer employees, personnel is needed on-site and these events are no longer possible.

I am not here to criticize or point fingers. Instead, my intention is to spotlight the crisis facing the Brookhaven Animal Shelter today. I have spoken to Charlie McGinley, the shelter director and he has stated that euthanasia is a last resort. But 147 dogs is the reality we are faced with. And if nothing changes, there is the grave concern that dogs will die. So I'm asking you, members of the Town Board to please give this matter your attention and support. Something simple, visit the shelter and talk to Charlie. See the challenges he faces every day.

Thank you.