Residents and advocates press Hempstead board over animal-shelter hiring and trainer conduct; town cites recent program expansions
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Summary
Speakers alleged the shelter hired an unqualified trainer and described animal injuries; the town's supervisor said his administration increased staffing and expanded trap-neuter-release (TNR) services in the first 54 days and instituted a mobile TNR program.
Citizen commenters raised allegations about hiring and safety at the Town of Hempstead animal shelter, including claims that an acting director bypassed advertised hiring procedures and that a trainer previously arrested for animal cruelty was rehired.
Diane Madden said an RFP had cast a wide net for an accredited trainer but was “completely obstructed” by the acting director, and alleged incidents including a dog named Lance that was kicked by a trainer. Madden asked for “a formal investigation on that dog as to what happened, the accreditation that person has.” She described “life threatening injuries” and other recent incidents and called for the town to hire an independent, fully accredited trainer.
Supervisor John Ferretti responded, saying, “in 54 days since I took over in my administration, we have increased the amount of staff at the animal shelter. We have increased the amount of days that TNR has performed. And we have instituted a mobile TNR program that is going into every community in the town of Hempstead.”
The transcript records the allegations and the supervisor’s response but does not show a formal investigation or vote during the excerpt provided. The speaker requested a formal investigation; the record shows only public comment and the supervisor's pledge about program improvements.