Senator Boyle Honors SPCA For Sandy Emergency Plan

Saved Thousands of Pets, Provided Safe Haven In The Aftermath

Lindenhurst, NY – Senator Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore) honored the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) on Thursday, June 6, 2013 in recognition of the organization’s heroic and exemplary efforts on behalf of pets and their owners in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The event took place at the SPCA on Shore Road Park in Lindenhurst.

“I am proud to honor the courageous individuals of the Suffolk County SPCA who have donated their time and energy to the community during a very difficult and chaotic time,” said Senator Boyle. “I am both appreciative and inspired by their dedication as they continue to save countless pets’ lives.”

When Superstorm Sandy hit Long Island, many pet owners were reluctant to leave their homes because the shelters prohibited animals.  In response, the SPCA opened three pet shelters at both the East and West ends of Long Island staffed by SPCA agents, friends and volunteers.  The SPCA shelters provided safe havens for those pets who were left homeless by the storm, and provided food, water, towels, blankets, and veterinary services until their owners could return.

The shelters, which remained open for more than a week, provided vital care to thousands of cats, dogs, birds, horses, and farm animals who were suddenly without homes. The staff and volunteers of the SPCA worked valiantly to meet the overwhelming needs of frightened evacuees and their pets, as well as abandoned animals who needed to be rescued.

“The Suffolk County SPCA should be commended for the superb execution of its emergency plan and its agents and volunteers who acted with courage and dedication to save the lives of untold numbers of animals and spared many pet owners the heartbreaking decision to leave their animals behind in order to save themselves,” Senator Boyle said.

Photograph:  Senator Phil Boyle presented the SPCA with a Legislative Proclamation thanking them for their Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.  Left to right:  Shawn Cullinane, Clerk-Treasurer Incorporated Village of Lindenhurst; Domenic Mozzone, Detective, Suffolk County SPCA; Roy Gross, Chief of Department, SPCA; Phil Boyle, NY State Senator; Stephen Laton, Chief of Operations, SPCA; and Paul Llobell, Detective, SPCA.