The Multi-Faceted Initiative Builds Upon The Success Of The County Dog Park And Anti-Tethering Law To Improve The Quality Of Life For County Residents And Their Pets

Kingston, N.Y. – Today, County Executive Mike Hein launched a comprehensive Animal Abuse Prevention Initiative in conjunction with area representatives from the New York State Humane Society of the United States, New York State Humane Association, Ulster County SPCA, For Paws of Ulster, Inc. and many other area animal protection advocates.  The initiative, which has several components, builds upon the success of both the very popular county-wide Dog Park which opened in New Paltz this past summer and the important anti-tethering law that the County Executive signed in December to provide law enforcement important additional tools to protect animals in danger.

This community oriented initiative contains several components:

• A Domestic Violence Shelter/Safe Boarding Plan - to assist victims of domestic violence to ensure their pets’ safety when they leave abusive situations;
• An Animal Abuse Registry - to inform citizens if an individual has been convicted of animal abuse is residing in their neighborhood;
• A Humane Feral Cat Program - to reduce the exposure to either rabies or other serious diseases through a trap, neuter, return (TNR) approach to reduce the growth of the feral cat population; and
• An Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force - to assist and advise the County Executive on matters pertaining to animal protection issues in Ulster County.

Shelter/Safe Boarding

An agreement with Family of Woodstock will allow victims of domestic violence to leave an abusive situation without leaving their pet behind.  Under the agreement, a victim of domestic violence will be able to find assistance at a safe, professionally staffed domestic violence shelter and their pet will also have a safe place to stay.  Unfortunately, an abuser will often use the family pet as leverage, and so many victims of domestic violence will not leave an abusive relationship because they do not want to leave their pet behind and fear for its safety.

“No one should feel trapped and unable to escape an unsafe environment because they fear for their family pets or be forced to abandon them,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “This agreement with Family of Woodstock provides a real choice and a safe place for both people and pets.  I want to thank Michael Berg, the Executive Director of Family of Woodstock, for his partnership.”

Animal Abuse Registry

The County Executive has called for the creation of a county-wide Animal Abuse Registry.  The registry will list individuals who have been convicted of various forms of animal abuse and will serve as an important tool to prevent an individual from committing future acts of abuse.  Additionally, since numerous studies and research have demonstrated a likelihood that a person who commits animal abuse will also engage in other forms of abuse, the registry will be a resource for law enforcement, other professionals and the public.

Humane Feral Cat Program

Ulster County will also contract with the Ulster County SPCA and begin a program aimed at humanely controlling the growth of feral cat colonies in communities through trap, neuter and return (TNR).  The program will humanely address the issue by instituting a spaying/neutering campaign.

Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force

The County Executive also formed the Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force, to be chaired by local veterinarian Dr. Beth Alden who directs and oversees SUNY Ulster’s veterinary technology program.  The members of the County Executive’s Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force are:  Dr. Beth Alden; Brian Shapiro, Director, New York State Humane Society of the United States; Adam Saunders, Executive Director of the Ulster County SPCA; Christine DeBoer and Marion DuBois, Boardmembers of For Paws of Ulster, Inc.; Merle Borenstein, animal protection advocate; Pat Valusek, New York State Humane Association; Jill Shufeldt, Town of Rochester Animal Control Officer; and Kirsti Gholson, community advocate.

“I am proud to work with a team of caring professionals to shield animals from abuse and take critical steps to make our community a better place for everyone.  Due to the various components of this initiative it is critical that each is thoughtfully developed and successfully implemented, which is why we have assembled a group of caring experts for assistance and advice,” continued County Executive Hein.  “It is this type of community involvement which is invaluable in the process and ensures that government simply gets it right, and I look forward to working with the Ulster County Legislature to complete a comprehensive program.”

Donald Gregorius, Ulster County Legislator

“This is an important and comprehensive initiative. As a Legislator, I look forward to working with the County Executive to help make all of these components a reality and improve the quality of life for Ulster County’s residents and their pets.”

Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health

"I strongly support the County Executive's initiatives to prevent animal abuse in Ulster County. Mahatma Gandhi once so wisely said “The greatness of a society and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals”. Animal cruelty and neglect often coexists with domestic violence toward women, children, the aged, and disabled.  I am proud to work with such a caring leader who understands that good health cannot exist in a community without compassion for all.”

Michael Berg, Executive Director of Family of Woodstock

“Family of Woodstock is proud to partner with Ulster County to further reach out and help victims of domestic violence and their families.  Counselors have seen far too many times instances when a victim simply will not remove themselves from a dangerous situation due to the fear they have for their beloved pet; and now, both have a safe place to go.”

Dr. Beth Alden, Veterinarian and Chair of the County Executive’s Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force

“I am honored to chair the County Executive’s Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force which puts Ulster County in the forefront of protecting companion animals.  Pets are such an important part of our lives and people often do not realize that issues which affect animals also have an effect on people and their quality of life.”