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By Keith Shikowitz, Investigative Reporter, Rockland News

POMONA, NY – The ongoing saga of the former Hi-Tor Animal Shelter has become more and more complex over the past year, with one side asserting grotesque mismanagement of the decades old facility by its former leadership, and the other responding with accusations of broken promises.

To further complicate matters, significant loss of animal life in 2023 has marred the reputation of the shelter, prior to its assumption of control by Rockland Green – the County’s all-in-one solid waste management authority.

In a testament to resilience and community support, the story of the former Hi-Tor Animal Shelter, now rebranded as RG C.A.R.E.S, unveils a saga of struggle, transformation, and hope against the backdrop of financial hardships, management controversies, and the deaths of several dozen animals (due to a viral outbreak) that gripped the animal shelter.

A Brief History of Recent Events

Established in 1973, the shelter has long served as a sanctuary for lost, abandoned, and unwanted animals, providing a no-kill environment for approximately 2,500 animals annually. Despite its noble mission, the shelter’s journey has been marred by financial difficulties, exacerbated by negative social media perceptions and dwindling donations. In recent years, Gary Kogut, President of Hi-Tor Animal Care Inc., lamented the organization’s funding struggles, which have been a constant hurdle in delivering the needed care and services.

Operational and administrative challenges plagued the shelter for years prior, with criticisms ranging from pet suitability and care to difficulties in staffing due to the shelter’s tarnished reputation. Efforts to remedy these issues, including leadership changes, have yet to resolve the overarching concerns regarding the organization’s public image and operational efficiency.

In the early 2010’s, the Rebuild HiTor movement was aimed at creating a brand new shelter, with privately donated funds. This effort was led by current Town of Clarkstown Councilperson Donald Franchino.

Several years later, Rockland County Executive Ed Day brought the issue to the forefront of local news, initiating several efforts to create a completely new, separate shelter. (This aspect of our reporting will be followed up with in a future segment of this ongoing investigative piece.)

The narrative took a significant turn on December 20, 2022, when Rockland Green stepped in, offering a lifeline with taxpayer funding amounting to $989,000 for the first year. This funding was a critical boost, intended to address various operational needs, including veterinary care. However, Kogut’s statements in September 2023 underscored the persistent perception of financial inadequacy, despite this substantial support.

The partnership with Rockland Green was born from an initiative to expand its mission to include managing an animal shelter for the county’s residents, aiming to alleviate the burden of managing stray, feral, and surrendered animals. The two-year contract set forth specific conditions for Hi-Tor, emphasizing a collaborative approach to animal welfare and operational management.

Financially, the contract with Rockland Green appeared to offer a solution to Hi-Tor’s longstanding funding woes, with significant allocations for staff and operational expenses. Yet, Kogut’s public remarks often highlighted continued financial challenges without fully addressing the support received or the effectiveness of its utilization.

The controversy intensified in September 2023 when Rockland Green terminated its contract with the shelter, citing an unreported outbreak of the feline panleukopenia virus. This abrupt decision, leveraging an “escape” clause for animal safety concerns, led to Four Legs Good assuming immediate operational control. The transition highlighted pressing issues, including the spread of the virus and questions of accountability and management within the former Hi-Tor Shelter’s board.

As reported by several local news outlets, including this one – Rockland Green was subsequently accused of overstepping its legal boundaries while establishing new operational control. In response, Rockland Green officials have questioned some of the financial practices of prior management.

Despite the upheaval, overall community support for a County-wide shelter remains strong, as evidenced by positive testimonials from individuals who have witnessed the dedication and care provided to the animals, largely in part by well-intentioned volunteers, for many years. But accounts contrast starkly with online criticisms focusing on the former staff’s competence and management issues. As a result, the rebranding of the shelter has not fully deployed.

According to several officials who asked to speak off the record, each expressed high degrees of confidence in the new management team at Four Legs Good, but also qualified – as one official stated, “time will tell.”

As the community and stakeholders reflect on the shelter’s tumultuous journey, the overarching narrative is one of resilience and the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and community support in navigating the challenges faced by nonprofit animal care organizations. The story of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter and RG C.A.R.E.S is a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the realm of animal welfare and the essential role of collective effort in ensuring the health and safety of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Additional follow up articles to this investigative piece will be released shortly.