In 2018, many volunteers quit after a shelter manager was fired by the board for "abandonment." Tension among the board, staff and volunteers have been a hallmark of the nonprofit shelter started 50 years ago. Towns pay fees to the nonprofit's animal services in their jurisdictions. Orangetown stopped contracting with the shelter then. They advocated for a county takeover of the facility. In February, Rockland's five town supervisors expressed concerns about the shelter's management, costs and finances. Troubled historyīut problems have arisen over the years, even before DiBernardo became president of the board.
The shelter has been supported over the years by the five towns and some villages. He said Health Department inspectors will visit the shelter twice a day and he urged volunteers to continue supporting the animals. He is requesting details of their plans to continue the safe operation of the animal shelter.
"This indictment creates a serious issue for the operation of this facility."ĭay said he is requesting an update from Hi-Tor board members on Friday. "We understand that individuals are innocent until proven guilty," Day said. He said the county government does not have direct control over the actions of a contract agency. On Thursday, Day said in a statement the county remains committed to building a new shelter for homeless and abandoned animals.
He said the county would cooperate fully with "our district attorney in ensuring whatever concerns are effectively addressed." When the District Attorney's Office's seized financial records in August, Day said both Hi-Tor management and the county government shared a number of concerns about operations at the shelter. The county has allocated $8.3 million in capital project funding and the center has received additional money from state grants and donations. The county government has been working with DiBernardo and the Hi-Tor board to build a new facility on county land near the Rockland Fire Training Center off Route 45 in Ramapo. "It is a sad day for Rockland County when an individual who is entrusted with overseeing shelter operations and providing vital services to animals in desperate need stands accused of violating the public's trust." County committed to new facility "Many of us have dogs and cats as pets, that become loved members of our families," Walsh said.
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