Councilwoman Lynne Nowick Announces The Creation Of Animal Shelter Advisory Council

LONG ISLAND’S FIRST ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COUNCIL ESTABLISHED 

According to Socrates, the secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old but, on building the new.  Councilwoman Lynne Nowick, appointed Liaison of behalf of the Smithtown Animal Shelter, firmly believes so.  An avid animal lover herself, Councilwoman Nowick decided to do something never before done in Suffolk County in an effort to enhance the quality of life for the approximately 700 homeless pets who pass through the doors of the shelter each year. 

 “Moving forward with the task of providing additional care to our animals and offering cost effective programs and services to our community, I have joined forces in a collaborative effort with Shelter Director George Beatty, and appointed animal welfare experts Lucille DeFina, Diane Madden and animal welfare attorney, Elizabeth Stein to work with us as our Animal Shelter Advisory Council.”

According to Nowick, what these experts bring to the table is an unquenchable thirst to increase shelter adoptions by ensuring that every single animal receives the best possible opportunity for adoption or rescue through creative and cost efficient means.  Their focus includes expanding the animals’ medical care both in the shelter and beyond as they also strive to expand the existing Smithtown Animal Shelter humane spay/neuter program for homeless free roaming cats.  Barely off the ground, a Veterinary Technician has been hired, preparations are taking place to launch a new website which will offer more extended exposure for pets, and the Town Board has approved a budget increase to expand the availability of wet food.  

Innovative policies and procedures are being reviewed and implemented, and plans are in the making to host both on and off-site adoption and spay/neuter events.  A donation account has been established and anyone interested in donating can send their donations to:

Smithtown Animal Shelter Donations, PO Box 9090, Smithtown, New York 11787

This will greatly benefit the shelter’s many homeless animals and provide animal lovers an opportunity to help.  Best of all, says Director Beatty, “we’re developing plans for a building renovation which will offer increased comfort for our pets, more exposure and, highlight their individuality while provide additional space for care and progressive programs.  The new shelter sign mounted to attract adopters is the first indication that changes are taking place, and certainly, when you appoint known experienced advocates dedicated to improving the quality of life for our animals, there will be many enhancements to come.”  According to Councilwoman Nowick, “we are counting on, not only their sincere support but their ideas and participation as well, as we expand our efforts to achieve our goal – the best municipal shelter in the County.  In the meantime, so many precious animals await their forever home, please stop by our shelter at 410 Middle County Road, Smithtown and welcome home a new friend.”

Comments

[maureen rossi]

I applaud a Task Force - there are obviously an arrays of issues at the Shelter, however, I am more concerned about the alleged sex offender (on the Parents for Megan's Law list) who volunteers or works there while children volunteer there. Shame on you Smithtown Government.....you need to be smarter.