36 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • AUGUST 2020
PRESS PETS
SHELTER
OYSTER BAY ANIMAL POLICY CHANGE UPROAR
NORT H S H O R E A N I M A L L E A G U E A M E R I C A
Join Our National Walk & Wag
to Save More Dogs & Cats!
Join us this September for North Shore
Animal League America’s 4th Annual National
Walk & Wag, now going totally VIRTUAL!
We need you now more than ever, to help fundraise for our
no-kill mission to rescue dog, cats, puppies and kittens and find
them loving, responsible homes during these uncertain times.
Register today and start saving lives at
animalleague.org/walkandwag
Register today and win prizes!
Join us for some friendly competitions
including exciting walk challenges
and other fun contests to win prizes.
The first 100 registered walkers will be
entered to win a Wag Basket!
For questions and to learn more,
please email events@animalleague.org
or call 516.373.3496
Tell us who you are walking for!
Walk for your furry pal, in honor of a devoted animal lover, or
for homeless animals EVERYWHERE. Post a photo on social media
using #walkandwag2020 and to be featured in our lifesaving campaign.
Follow Us!
Due to state and government regulations from the COVID-19 pandemic, North Shore Animal League America has been unable to hold in person fundraising events.
To further connect the animal loving community and due to the health and safety of our supporters, this traditionally in person and virtual event will be held entirely
virtual for 2020. You are encouraged to walk while practicing social distancing by wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart and by using video chat to walk together.
The euthanisia of Precious
has caused a stir.
Do you have a
Special Occasion?
Custom Designs
at Competitive Pricing
for 30 Years
Call for an appointment
917-447-7417
Designs By Shahin
2 locations
34 east 67 Street, #5F, NYC
& Roslyn, Long Island
BY ALLISON MATOS
The Town of Oyster Bay recently updated
its policy on why dogs in the town’s
animal shelter may be euthanized,
prompting a pit bull the town had
termed “sweet” to be put down.
Local animal advocates held a candlelight
vigil after the dog named Precious
was euthanized in June. But town officials
deny they did anything improper.
“I spent quality time with her in March
off-leash in their play yard,” says Lori
Prisand, a shelter volunteer. “The shelter’s
description of her was spot on. She
was a wonderfully sweet and extremely
smart dog who did not deserve to be
euthanized.”
So what changed from Precious being
advertised for adoption as “a ridiculously
sweet dog who loves to snuggle” to an
unadoptable dog slated for euthanasia?
The town drafted a new animal adoption
policy in March. Precious was then
evaluated based on the criteria within
the proposed policy. The town’s Animal
Control & Adoption Center new policy
prohibits adopting out dogs with a damaging
bite history, no warning signs
before they attempt to bite, a history
of severely injuring or killing another
dog, aggressive behavior toward their
animal handler, stalking children in
a predatory manner, uninterruptible
aggression towards other dogs, or
poor bite inhibition. The town board
approved the policy in June.
“I knew right away that once this policy
was approved, Precious and any dog in
the shelter’s custody was at high risk for
euthanasia,” says Prisand.
Precious had been in and out of the shelter
system for years, beginning in 2014
when she was surrendered by her family
when they lost their home. They later
came back to
redeem her
but Precious
was surrendered
again last year. But
town officials later said
Precious attacked
another dog in the
shelter and was
aggressive.
Advocates sought
to find a sanctuary
for Precious. Rescues
from across the
country contacted
the shelter, but
many say their
calls and emails
were not
returned.
“Not a single
legally qualified rescue organization
sought to adopt Precious,” town
spokesman Brian Nevin
said. “If one had, we
would have welcomed the
opportunity.”
Advocates say
Precious required
training, arguing that
putting dogs in positive
settings where they can
be physically and mentally
stimulated can allow
dogs to develop socially,
and in turn, become
adoptable.
“With a $1.3 million budget for a
shelter filled with empty kennels
and no rehabilitation services, it’s
time for the Town of Oyster Bay
— one of the most affluent areas
in the country — to use our tax
dollars to do everything possible
to save the animals, not kill them.” says
Prisand.
/walkandwag
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
link
link
