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New president Eric Lobel and 15 volunteers filed a lawsuit charging the previous board of directors with cruelty to animals and negligence. In June, the courts ruled that the board retire and a new president and board be elected.
Since the decision, Lobel and the new board, made up of volunteers involved in the lawsuit, went right to work to address thousands of dollars in debt owed to physicians and the Internal Revenue Service.
Volunteers also worked to clean up the facility and struggled to take care of the current animals in its care.
“Right now we are debt-free and fully operational moving forward,” Lobel said. “This has been a tremendous effort to clean up the facility.”
Lobel said following Hurricane Sandy, the shelter found homes for 18 animals rescued from Staten Island and other parts of New York City.
The public reaction to the society’s turnaround, said Lobel, has been “excellent”
“As people hear the story, they are thrilled and thank us for a clean bright shelter and healthy animals,” he said. “It is a new day with new people.”
Lobel said the society welcomes volunteers and stressed that training is required. Those who are interested in adopting an animal are required to fill out an application on the society’s website.
The society also has a Facebook page, which posts new arrivals, current events and other activities taking place.
“We want people to know we are open and to get involved,” Lobel said. “There are a lot of great animals who need homes, love and care.”
The society is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information call 914-835-3332.
