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We exist to assist in the establishment of and continued support for a municipal animal shelter in Rensselaer County, NY
Rensselaer County Humane Society Proposal:
A Centralized Animal Welfare Solution
Our group has been receiving many questions,. Here are the answers you may be looking for.
What does New York State law require regarding stray dog shelters?
New York State Agriculture & Markets Law, Article 7, mandates that each town, city, and licensing village must establish and maintain a pound or shelter for stray dogs. Counties also have the option to establish such a facility. As an alternative or supplement, these municipalities can contract for pound or shelter services with another municipality or an incorporated humane society.
What are the primary shortcomings of the current system of individual municipal dog pounds in Rensselaer County?
The current system, where each municipality maintains its own pound, suffers from several inadequacies. Residents who lose their dogs often struggle to locate them due to the fragmented system. Moreover, the basic "pound" model doesn't address crucial needs like a place for emergency surrender of dogs, sheltering homeless cats, or handling animal cruelty cases. This hampers law enforcement's ability to effectively address animal-related issues.
What is the proposal for addressing these shortcomings in Rensselaer County?
The proposal advocates for the establishment of a centralized County Humane Society. This would provide a single, comprehensive facility to serve the entire county, similar to the humane society in Saratoga County (where the city of Troy currently sends dogs).
What specific benefits would a County Humane Society offer to Rensselaer County residents and animals?
A County Humane Society would offer several benefits, including: a central location for lost pets, a facility for emergency animal surrenders, shelter for homeless cats as well as dogs, and a resource for addressing animal cruelty cases. This enhanced infrastructure would ensure better care for animals in need and provide a more effective system for residents to find lost pets and address animal welfare concerns.
Why is a centralized approach deemed more effective than the current decentralized system?
A centralized approach is considered more effective due to the challenges faced by the 22 municipalities in Rensselaer County in maintaining proper individual facilities. A county-wide approach provides a more unified and accessible system for residents to locate lost pets and ensures a consistent standard of care for animals throughout the county.
What funding mechanisms are proposed for the County Humane Society?
The funding model suggests a system where the County or a specific Town Humane Society contract with all municipalities, receiving funds for services. Adoption and surrender fees could also be collected. Furthermore, grant opportunities are available through the state, which are not accessible to individual towns maintaining their own basic holding areas.
What is the current level of County support for this initiative, and what alternative is suggested?
Currently, there's resistance from the county towards establishing a direct "County Facility." As an alternative, the proposal suggests that the county assists a willing town in starting a Humane Society and lend its support to that effort. This allows for a collaborative approach while still achieving the benefits of a centralized humane society.
How does the proposal for a County Humane Society compare to other county expenditures?
The proposal argues that a safe place within the county to secure animals in need and protect them from suffering is equally as important as other county-funded amenities like parks, senior centers, playgrounds, and skating rinks. It emphasizes that animal welfare is a crucial aspect of community well-being that deserves dedicated resources and will also provide a safer environment for Rensselaer County residents.
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