Animal Control Center Grand Opening July 8

By Kendra Bobowick

The public is invited to the grand opening of the Brian J. Silverlieb Animal Care and Control Center of Newtown on Sunday, July 8, at 4 pm. The new facility is on Old Farm Road off of Trades Lane behind Reed Intermediate School.

“Everybody is excited,” said Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) President Virginia Jess. “We just want it formally opened and to see it running.” Her volunteer organization has supported the town’s effort to establish a new animal care facility, and raised roughly $250,000 toward the effort.

“This project has taken us years to accomplish,” said First Selectman Pat Llodra. “The opening of this facility is the culmination, in part, of an effort that has been on-going for about seven years. It is the representation of a true public/private partnership.”

On Sunday guests will enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony, brief comments, building tours, refreshments, and a dedication to the late Brian J. Silverlieb, VMD, who had devoted much of his time and efforts to animal care both personally and through his veterinary practice at Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals.

In 2007, the town approved the new facility in its Capital Improvement Plan, dedicating $750,000 for that purpose. At that same time, CAN pledged the $250,000 needed to meet the project costs.

“Finally, we were able to move forward in 2011 with a groundbreaking and official project start,” Mrs Llodra said. The project “required a commitment of effort over time and in difficult circumstances. I am proud that we, the town and our partners in CAN, were steadfast in our effort. We found ways to compromise and collaborate, to stay focused on the goal. Together we recognized that a successful outcome depended on our ability to engage others in the effort and on our willingness to consider the thoughts and feelings of others.”

Soon the new animal control center will be operational and “much enhanced from its pared down original design through the generosity of the estate of the late Ms Hair and her deceased friend Ms Bouchard,” Mrs Llodra said. In past months a bequest from two late residents, friends, and animal lovers, Frances Hair and Hazel Bouchard, enabled the town to complete construction on a new animal control facility, as well as set up an annual fund to underwrite operations.

The bequest also included an additional infusion of cash to complete and outfit a planned dog park.

Animals up for adoption, including cats, staff, and offices will soon take up their new spaces.

The move will take place at a later date. “It’s going to be busy,” said Assistant Animal Control Officer Matt Schaub.