PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   Contact: Pat Wilks
June 26, 2008                                                                                        (718) 816-2049


BOROUGH PRESIDENT MOLINARO CUTS RIBBON
FOR NEW SURGICAL FACILITY IN MEMORY OF TOMMY MONAHAN
Also Unveils Bronze Plaque of Boy Who Loved Animals at Charleston Shelter

           STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Borough President James P. Molinaro today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new surgical facility at the Charleston animal shelter in memory of Tommy Monahan, the nine-year-old boy who perished in a tragic house fire while trying to rescue his pets last year.

           The “Thomas P. Monahan V Surgical Suite” at the Animal Care & Control (AC&C) of New York City-Staten Island Animal Care Center is a new $716,000 facility funded through Molinaro’s capital budget that will allow dogs and cats to be spayed and neutered at the shelter instead of having to be transported off-site or into the shelter’s spay-neuter van for the procedure.

           Just prior to the ribbon-cutting, Molinaro unveiled a bronze memorial plaque in the foyer of the surgical suite that bears Tommy’s likeness. He then presented the Monahan family with a smaller replica of the plaque.

           What better way to honor the memory of Tommy’s sacrifice than to improve the quality of life for these animals and the people who care for them?” said Molinaro. “I would like to thank the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Animal Care & Control for agreeing to name this facility after Tommy. My hope is that this dedication will give his family some comfort, knowing that Tommy’s legacy will live on in a place dedicated to saving the lives of the animals he loved.”

           In addition to the surgical suite, Molinaro is also in the process of funding an internal makeover (new floors, ceiling tiles, doors and paint), new heating ventilation and cooling systems (HVAC), and repair of flooding problems outside of the shelter. “I am determined to make it a state-of-the-art shelter, where people will say, “I have to adopt a pet before I get out of here,” said Molinaro.

           Tommy died while trying to rescue his dog, Sophie, and pet lizard from a raging fire in his Prince’s Bay home last December.  A lover of all animals, Tommy collected his spare cash in a coffee can for his favorite charity, Animal Care & Control.  His family had asked mourners to send donations in his name to the Charleston shelter, which collected more than $10,000.

           Maria Monahan, Tommy’s mother, said, “A little over a year-and-a-half ago, our son Tommy started to save up his loose change to donate to this shelter. Never in a million years did we dream it would become part of his legacy. We are grateful to the Borough President and his staff of animal advocates for taking this shelter into a new and exciting direction. The shelter, like many of the animals who entered it, were sadly neglected and in need of nurturing and a second chance at a new life.  The enhancements and renovations soon to take place will help make this shelter the jewel of all City shelters and a refuge for all the creatures who pass through its doors. I know Tommy and his dog, Sophie, are smiling down on us today.”   

           Charlene Pedrolie, Executive Director of AC&C, said, “We are very pleased with how well the surgery suite turned out. Knowing that it would be named after such a wonderful little boy made the purpose of constructing it much more special. Everyone involved really put their heart into this project.”

           Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David J. Burney, AIA, said, “Pets enhance our quality of life – something Tommy Monahan understood so well. Our upgrading of the Animal Care Center will enable the entire staff to provide a higher level of care. The dedication of the surgical suite is a fitting tribute to a special boy.” 

           Since 1995, Animal Care & Control has been the organization responsible for New York City’s municipal shelter system, rescuing more than 150 lost and homeless animals each day. Pet adoption hours are 12 Noon to 7 p.m. seven days a week at the shelter located at 3139 Veterans Road West. For information about adopting a pet or volunteer opportunities, call AC&C at (212) 788-4000 or visit website at www.nycacc.org.