North Country SPCA to Build New Prototype Shelter in Elizabethtown, NY

No-Kill Shelter Must Raise $125,000 by October 1st to Meet Matching Funds Deadline

WESTPORT, NY (August 18, 2011) – The North Country SPCA in Westport plans to break-ground on a brand-new environmentally friendly no-kill shelter in Elizabethtown this fall – and needs to raise $125,000 by October 1st to do it. The organization has already raised more than $1.25 million for this new facility.  If they can raise $125,000 by October 1, 2011, they will qualify for matching funds and meet their target construction goal of $1.5 million. 

Since its doors opened in 1969, the North Country SPCA Shelter in Westport has provided quality care and shelter for thousands of abandoned, abused and surrendered cats and dogs.

However, the current Westport shelter, located on Lakeshore Road, operates at double capacity - housing between 60-70 cats and 25-30 dogs. The shelter itself is in an advanced state of disrepair.

“For more than 40 years, the present location of the North Country SPCA has done well serving as a shelter for homeless, abandoned and abused cats and dogs in Essex County,” states  Senator Betty Little. “But a new facility is now needed and incorporating environmental and energy-efficiency standards is the right long-term approach.”

The North Country SPCA is planning to build a new facility in Elizabethtown, the center of Essex County. The new facility has been designed by ARQ Architects, a small firm which has revolutionized the field of animal care with major shelters in San Francisco and New York.  The new facility in Elizabethtown, NY will be a prototype for smaller shelters nationwide, and will include:

• LEED certification --Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – something only a handful of shelters throughout the country have been granted. ARQ's LEED shelter in Rhode Island uses 30% less electrical energy, 43% less natural gas, and over 40% less water.
• Animal housing that meets modern criteria for optimal animal care and well being;
• A separate intake room for new arrivals;
• An inviting reception area; and
• A room for basic medical procedures

“I have worked very closely with the staff, Board of Directors, and volunteer help at the NCSPCA for many years,” David Goldwasser, DVM Adirondack Veterinary Hospital, Westport, NY. “I can't imagine a more dedicated group of people. Unfortunately, that dedication can only go so far toward providing the care that the animals at the Shelter so desperately need.  The woefully inadequate facility on Lake Shore Road can no longer be expected to serve the needs of our homeless animal population.  I am thrilled that we will finally have a new facility which we can be proud of.”

Studies show that modern shelters increase adoption rates by 50 to 100 percent, so the new building will help these cats and dogs, puppies and kittens find a second chance -- sadly, often a first chance -- at a loving home.

Sue Russell, DVM at the Westport Veterinary Hospital agrees.  "For over 40 years the North Country SPCA has provided shelter, kindness and commitment to our helpless furry friends but the 1960’s building has outlived its usefulness. The advancements in new building technology will decrease the spread of infection and the expanded space will provide ideal areas for exercise and behavioral training. A new shelter is a necessity.” 

About the North Country SPCA:
The North Country Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NCSPCA) in Essex County, NY, provides refuge for cats and dogs who have been surrendered, abandoned or abused. The NCSPCA is the only SPCA animal shelter in rural Essex County, New York.  A no-kill shelter that provides refuge to over 400 dogs and cats each year, the NCSPCA does not received state or federal funding. Town contracts and adoption fees account for 15 percent of the annual budget, while private donors provide 85 percent. For more information, log on to www.NCSPCA.org, Facebook.com/NorthCountrySPCA.  You can also watch the video overview of this campaign on YouTube.

###

CONTACT:
Rebecca Steffan
Inphorm Inc.
Lake Placid
(518) 523-9258
Rebecca@inphorminc.com 

Tags: