FORESTBURGH — The wide-spread issue regarding a lack of temporary holding space for stray dogs has seen a breakthrough as Dog Control Officer (DCO) and Forestburgh Deputy Town Supervisor Steve Budofsky announced the procurement of an emergency five-run kennel on the Sullivan County SPCA property in Rock Hill. 

Budofsky, joined by a number of fellow DCO’s from neighboring smaller towns, approached SPCA President John Piazza, former Shelter Manager John Attard and other SPCA Board members with a request to utilize a small accessory building on their property – an idea to which they were receptive to. 

As to not burden the SPCA with any additional costs, the DCO’s contacted Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz and asked for assistance in developing a vendor contract between the county and the SPCA, which would in turn facilitate the development of a contract for the DCO’s working on the project to use the building. Since then, the county approved a deal which assures $12,000 annually to cover the costs of operation.

Budofsky thanked Rajsz and the Legislature, County Manager Josh Potosek and his staff, the leadership of the SPCA and their Board and fellow Forestburgh Board members for their support in the DCO’s push to secure the additional space. 

“Sullivan County has seen a substantial increase in stray and abandoned dogs over the last few years, which has placed a strain on local shelters,” Budofsky explained. “Available kennel space has been hard to find and some DCOs from small towns with limited resources have had to face difficult circumstances.”

“There are only five kennel runs in the building, but that would provide just enough space for short term emergency placement,” he said. “This team effort is an example of how good things happen when county and local governments work together with the community to provide much needed services.”