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A temporary dog shelter opens today in Rensselaer, providing a safe haven for seized dogs. Located at the rear of the Rensselaer Police Department on Broadway, the facility features four kennels and will serve as a temporary home for dogs awaiting reunification with their owners or placement with adoption or rescue groups. The shelter, which opens at 1 p.m., marks a significant step in the city's commitment to public safety and responsible animal care, according to Mayor Mike Stammel.
Development of the shelter began in July after the Rensselaer Common Council approved the project following a contract fallout with the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Previously, seized dogs were kept in jail cells due to a lack of designated space. Mayor Stammel emphasized that the new shelter will adhere to all applicable state and local regulations, focusing on the health and well-being of each dog. "This is the right thing to do," Stammel stated, highlighting the city's dedication to animal welfare.
The shelter will be used exclusively by city officials and will not be available for community use. Residents with questions about lost or stray dogs are encouraged to contact the Office of the City Clerk. The facility aims to address ongoing animal sheltering challenges exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a surge in pet acquisitions and subsequent surrenders or abandonments.