NYS inspector OKs Hempstead animal shelter
This American terrier mix is waiting to be adopted from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh. (Jan. 26, 2011) Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Amid allegations of animal mistreatment and investigations into its operations, the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter passed all aspects of a surprise state inspection.
A Department of Agriculture and Markets inspector went to the shelter last Thursday and found that it met all 32 requirements, according to a report from the agency released at the Town Board meeting Tuesday.
"Everything was 100 percent in the shelter," said Cynthia Iacopella, the new assistant shelter director.
The inspection found that the dog shelter services and dog control officer services, which represent the bulk of shelter operations, were "satisfactory."
Inspections look at a variety of issues, including whether the shelter provides a clean environment, handles dogs safely and keeps proper records. Each standard reviewed is assigned "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" ratings.
The shelter remains under investigation by the Nassau County district attorney's office for what officials described as issues not involving animal abuse.
An internal shelter investigation late last year resulted in the transfer to other jobs of two employees, including the acting director. Patricia Horan, who later became the acting shelter director, was reassigned in March after a 17-year-old video of her allegedly joking about a kitten's euthanasia appeared online.
Iacopella, who is in line to become director, said Tuesday that she is working to build partnerships with animal rescue groups on Long Island and will host a meeting for those groups Aug. 18.
"I believe a lot will be accomplished at this meeting," said Iacopella, who worked at zoos and animal welfare organizations in California, New York City and Wantagh.
She said the shelter also will hire a full-time trainer. Work has started on installing an air-conditioning system and building walking trails, she said, adding that the shelter also will create a volunteer program and an "aggressive" placement program.
Diane Madden, a volunteer who has been banned from the Hempstead shelter, said the volunteer program should be created "immediately," now that a new director is in place.
"This woman can be very competent, but she can't do it alone," Madden said at the town board meeting.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
