State Comptroller to Audit Hempstead Town Animal Shelter Finances

Several hundred complaints about the Hempstead Town Shelter's financial management in recent months have prompted State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to initiate an audit.

According to a recent statement, fieldwork will begin in the next few weeks.

“Our goal is to ensure the integrity of financial accountability related to the Hempstead Animal Shelter,” DiNapoli said.

District Attorney Kathleen Rice, who is conducting her own investigation, requested the comptroller’s audit.

Susan Trenkle-Pokalsky, the Hempstead Town Press Secretary, called the audit the result of issues "politicized by some disgruntled people."

"We welcome the state comptroller’s audit," she said. "Two state reviews of shelter operations within the past year gave the town top ratings in all categories. We are confident that this state review will affirm the fact that the shelter is well run and government funds are spent for the care and well being of our animals."

Controversy has surrounded the Wantagh-based animal shelter's practices and budget, even prompting several rallies. Additionally, three banned volunteer animal rescue workers have filed a lawsuit against the town.

In March, a disturbing video was released on YouTube, depicting three shelter workers making obscene gestures, handling a kitten and saying "kill the kitty." Pat Horan, the shelter’s acting director seen in the video - which is believed to be filmed more than a decade ago - was later reassigned.