SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The city of Southampton has received a $402,608 grant to upgrade flooring and kennels at the Southampton Animal Shelter, officials said.
The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation was one of only 10 agencies and organizations across the state to receive a grant from the program. A total of $3.8 million was awarded to the 10 recipients, the city said.
The grant is awarded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets under the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund program. The city of Southampton submitted a competitive grant application for a $447,342 project to repair and upgrade the flooring in the shelter's kennel area, as well as replace all of the current dog kennels, the city said.
The Southampton shelter will receive $402,608. the city will provide a $44,734, or 10 percent, match to complete the project.
Southampton councilor Cyndi McNamara, who was the council's animal control liaison when the application was launched, was delighted by the news. “I am very pleased to learn that the state has chosen the city of Southampton as the recipient of this grant. Our animal control staff and the staff from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation do an amazing job for the pets of city residents and visitors. We have discussed the need for this project for some time and the award of this grant will help to finally make the project a reality.”
Southampton councilor Michael Iasili agreed. “As an animal welfare advocate and city council member, I want to thank Ryan Murphy for working diligently with the shelter to provide the best possible conditions for our pets.”
To that end, Iasilli said he worked with the city council to make April 30 “Adopt a Pet Day.” On April 30, the shelter will hold an open house for families to come and learn about all the services they provide, she said.
In 2023 Southampton Animal Shelter had more than 900 cats and dogs coming and going
its doors. Nearly 500 dogs called the animal shelter their temporary home during the
year, city officials explained.
“The Southampton Animal Shelter is a high-use building and a key piece of our city's infrastructure. This project will modernize the facility and create a healthier environment that enhances animal and staff welfare,” said Compliance with the City Code and the Emergency.
Administrator Murphy, who oversees the city's animal control department.
Murphy said the successful application was the result of a great team effort between the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and the city of Southampton.
Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore added that earlier this year, there was unanimous support from the town council for the application.
“When the opportunity arose to secure funding to create a better place for animals in our community, the board was happy to support the effort,” he said. “This New York State grant will allow us to extend the useful life of the animal shelter and make much-needed improvements at minimal cost to the city.”
