Resident tells Hempstead board kennel access restrictions are 'unconstitutional'

Diane Madden, identified in the transcript as a Hempstead resident, told the Town Board on Dec. 23 that the town's decision to restrict public access to the animal shelter kennels is unconstitutional and harms animals and community volunteers.

"It's unconstitutional to shut down the kennels," Madden said, alleging the current administration is "spinning" a new decibel/noise standard to justify the policy. She said she had contacted New York state enforcement and was told the town is misrepresenting the law. Madden also referenced prior administrations and individuals she said had tried similar restrictions and said the changes are reducing adoptions and limiting transparency.

Board members offered a brief response. The Supervisor said he had not received the text message Madden referenced because it was sent to a Nassau County phone he uses for county business and said he was not ignoring her. No board member provided a substantive legal response to Madden's claim on the record during the recorded segments.

Madden's remarks were made during the public comment portion after the formal meeting had been adjourned. The transcript does not include a copy of the cited communication with state enforcement or a written shelter policy; those documents would be necessary to verify the legal claims Madden raised.