Montville ― The town has been making some initial improvements to the dilapidated animal control facility until it learns if it will receive $2 million from the state to help it build a new shelter.
For years, the 225 Maple Ave. facility, which is shared with Salem, has been cited for numerous violations by the state Department of Agriculture.
A group of residents who call themselves the Montville Animal Shelter Community Team has been working to get the town to build a new $2.2 million facility.
After passionate speeches from residents at a Town Council meeting Monday, Police Chief Wilfred Blanchette told them about the recent improvements the town has made to the shelter.
Police Officer Bruce Rebelo, who has filled in for former Animal Control Officer Christian Swanson after her resignation, and Assistant Animal Control Officer Tina Brown, are starting to provide better care and “clean, sanitary living conditions,” Blanchette said.
According to Blanchette, changes made to the facility since January include cleaning out items, bird-proofing the facility, fixing the HVAC system, replacing tattered tarps that protect dogs from the weather and deep cleaning the building, which has helped reduce odor. Door flaps were also replaced.
He said a recent test shows the water to be within acceptable guidelines but with a higher than average sodium level. Rebelo said Wednesday water from the police department is being brought into the shelter for the animals.
Blanchette said the facility’s hot and cold water is only used for cleaning the kennels. He added the town is seeking quotes to repair the concrete floors. He said he has spoken with New London Police Chief Brian Wright about temporarily housing animals at New London’s facility if that work is done.
“Our citizens have rallied support behind our animals, and we are so very appreciative,” Blanchette said. “There is no doubt that Montville is an animal-friendly community.”
But several members of the shelter community team, and even some Waterford residents didn’t think so.
“You’ve chosen to take the violations, and you’ve taken them, and you’ve pushed them aside, because these animals cannot speak for themselves,” said Quaker Hill resident Sarah Manwaring. “You must listen to the people who are speaking for them. And you’re not listening.”
Mayor Leonard Bunnell said he has repeatedly described the town’s plan for the shelter.
“The plan is to get funding to pay for it. And if that doesn’t work, then we’re going to go to referendum,” he said. “And in the meantime, we’re making the kennel safe. We’re doing everything we can to make it safe.”
He said if residents want to assign blame, they should direct it at him.
“I’ve got big shoulders. Bring it on. I can take it. Blame me. I don’t care. Blame me. But I can guarantee you one thing, we will get a new shelter and it will be built, and if we don’t get the funding, it will go to referendum where everybody has a say,” Bunnell said.
State Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, said the shelter isn’t an issue of politics, but an issue of need.
She said support from the community team will help get the attention of Gov. Ned Lamont, who controls whether the shelter funding will be on the agenda for the next state bond commission meeting in late May or June.
Osten added that while residents have proven themselves committed to getting the project done, Bunnell and the Town Council have done the same.
d.drainville@theday.com
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