The Fate of Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control Center

The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control Center building and land will be no more when the Hampden County Jail for Women is complete. According to Mayor Kos, the proposed site which is close to interstate 91 includes the center at 701 Center Street.

Although budgeted money, according to Chairman Haberlin, will be extremely tight, we have a unique opportunity to transform the old pound/control concept of the past into a true shelter facility, incorporating adoption and rescue, education and public safety.

Both the Supervisory and Advisory Boards are committed to creating the very best facility possible. But the reality is that with limited funding, are upgrading of the facility will not be possible without a strong commitment of fund raising from both private and corporate resources.

In two years or less another animal control facility will be built. If the Board of Supervisors of the cities want support in building a state-of-the-art shelter, we should help them.

Everyone who has visited T. J. O’Connor Animal Control Center and has wished that more could be done to help save dogs, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE. Put your well-wishing into action by donating your time, money or talent to help the dogs of the future.

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Other news and notes regarding TJO:

• Chairman Haberlin proposed the hiring of consultant Maureen Hayes to assist the Supervisory Board and the City of Springfield in the relocation process.
• The time frame is 1½ - 2 years to be out of Chicopee. The Mayors of Chicopee and Holyoke have expressed interest in having the new facility located in their cities.
• Chairman Haberlin is attending a 3 day workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, sponsored by the American Humane Society. He will be updated in the latest technology, procedures and issues regarding protecting animals in the community, and animal sheltering and care.
• Director of the center, Robert Larocque and Supervisory Board member Robert Mirkel will be attending a two day "Format Shelter Planning, Design and Construction Workshop" sponsored by the AHS.

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• Mayor Sullivan has appointed two individuals to serve as representatives of Holyoke to the Advisory Board: Councilor Kevin Jourdain and Councilor James Leahy. They will occupy the Vacancies created by the resignation of Sue Egan and Don Tryon.
• Sue Nimchick was elected Vice-Chairperson
• Sherry Kinsey was elected Secretary

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• T. J. O’Connor hours have been expanded to better serve the public – Thursday’s hours have been expanded from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• As of July 1^st, the telephone service now has voice mail
• Michelle Downie has been appointed Assistant Director.
• Christine Higgins – appointed full-time Kennel Manager.
• Sara Kiely – appointed full-time Assistant Kennel Manager.
• Advisory Board Member Sue Nimchick has created posters addressing Pit Bull fighting abuse and neglect using children from Chicopee, Springfield, and Holyoke. (see side bar)

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Holyoke's Mayor Sullivan Adopts Dog from TJO

"There has been an addition to Mayor Michael J. Sullivan's family that has turned his house upside down..." Click the picture to read the full article

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