Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced today that an additional $5 million in funding has been approved to support the construction, renovation and expansion of local animal shelters. The funding comes as a part of the New York State Companion Animal Fund established last year.

“Many communities that operate animal shelters contract with their local humane society, SPCA or nonprofit animal shelter – a much less costly alternative than staffing and managing an animal shelter of their own,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “This funding gives our local shelters the much needed support that helps them continue providing an essential service in our communities.”

Locally, Assemblyman Santabarbara is advocating for funding through the program to support the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA).

“The current shelter was built in the 1950’s, having outlived its usefulness it no longer meets the needs of the communities it serves,” Santabarbara said in his letter to Michael Reese, Director of Empire State Development. “This proposal will greatly expand the MCSPCA’s capacity to house animals and would also add needed on-site medical services, including low cost spay and neuter services and vaccinations with this location serving more than 550 cats per year,” Santabarbara added. “A new facility will also allow MCSPCA to increase the number of adoptions made each year, giving new hope to companion animals.”

The Companion Animal Capital Fund, administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, is available to non-profit and municipal animal shelters, humane societies, and societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals. The aim of the program is to help these organizations continue to provide sheltering services to local communities and promote better care for the animals.

“More than 150,000 animals come into shelters across the state every year,” added Santabarbara, who is the proud owner of a teacup Yorkie named Muffie. “New Yorkers across the state treasure their companion animals,” he said. “For many pet owners like myself, pets are part of the family, and it’s important that we help the shelters that have helped so many New Yorkers make connections to find the right pet to make their family complete.”