We, the undersigned, support the Engineering Department’s $4.4 million request for the construction of a new animal shelter in Stamford. This capital budget request should be a priority for our City as it is long-overdue. The conditions at the 60-year old shelter are unsuitable for the animals, the Animal Control Officers and staff who work there every day, the shelter volunteers and the public.  The layout of the kennels cause unnecessary stress on the animals, the heating and cooling systems are inadequate, there are no isolation/quarantine rooms as required by state law, the ceiling/walls/flooring are in poor condition, and the interior work and storage spaces are inadequate, just to name a few deficiencies.

Partial funding for the shelter will not get the shelter built. It is time the City prioritizes the humane housing of our homeless animal population. We ask that the Planning Board include the full $4.4 million request in the Mayor's Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23. - SEE UPDATE!