A new partnership of public and private interests is ready to take over operation of Martha's Vineyard's only animal shelter tomorrow, when the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) ends its operation of the shelter.
The new group, called the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard, this week signed an open-ended lease with the MSPCA to rent the building and equipment, at no cost. The only condition of the lease, other than the standard conditions, is that the building must be used as an animal shelter. Otherwise the MSPCA can terminate the agreement with 30 days notice.
The Dukes County government will provide administrative services to the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard, which is to be governed by a five member board of directors. The shelter operations will be funded from the Dukes County government's reserve fund, with the understanding that Island towns will reimburse the county for the costs.
Two part-time employees, Sharon Rzemian, of Oak Bluffs, and Lisa Hayes of Katama, have already been hired. Ms. Rzemian has served as animal control officer for both Oak Bluffs and Tisbury, and both women have extensive experience working in animal shelters, according to Mr. Smith. He estimates salaries for three part-time employees will account for more than half of the operating expenses, estimated at $49,920 annually. The workers will become county employees. They will work fewer than 20 hours per week, so they will not be eligible for county benefits.
The board of directors is made up of Island residents chosen by the county for their experience in animal welfare issues. The five members of the board are Greg Orcutt, general manager of WMVY, Rosemary Haigazian, an attorney, Jessica Burnham of Edgartown, Diana Muldaur of Edgartown, and Mary Jane Pease of Chilmark.
A spokesman for the MSPCA praised the efforts of Island residents in the effort to continue shelter services. "Animal welfare is obviously front of mind with the island residents," said Brien Adams. "We've been incredibly fortunate to have fast-acting animal welfare advocates on Martha's Vineyard who have formed this new group. We've been working with them, answering their questions, letting them know exactly what is involved."
The MSPCA announced plans to close the shelter on February 5, leaving many Islanders surprised and disappointed. The late Katharine M. Foote founded the Vineyard shelter that bears her name in 1933. In 1947 she deeded the Edgartown property on which the shelter is located on the corner of Pennywise Path and Vineyard Haven Road to the MSPCA.
In addition to the shelter, the property includes a house and another building in front leased by the MSPCA to veterinarian C. Roger Williams for his business, the Vineyard Veterinary Clinic. Mr. Williams will serve as a technical advisor to the new organization's board of directors.
