Smithtown Animal Shelter director George Beatty, has officially announced he will retire, effective June 30th of this year. Director Beatty has had one tough year, grieving the recent loss of his wife in addition to living under constant scrutiny from animal advocates for alleged misconduct. Director Beatty sent his letter of early retirement to Smithtown Councilmembers one week ago, on May 21st. The same day, during the public portion of the Town Board Meeting, Supervisor Patrick Vecchio made the official announcement regarding the Animal Shelter Director’s retirement.
“Many people would like to know the status of Animal Shelter Supervisor, Mr. Beatty.
Two weeks ago he lost his wife. It put some burden on him. He takes care of his grandchildren. He sent word to the board that as of today, he intends to retire on June 30th…” – Supervisor Patrick Vecchio
Members of the board meeting audience, applauded the news briefly before turning to some pressing questions about who would replace him, whether his $5,000 raise would turn up in his pension and inquiries about his current and ongoing investigations.
Councilwoman Nowick was applauded for the new developments which members of the public had seen with their own eyes at the shelter. Nowick added her continued efforts to get the shelter open on Sundays for adoptions as well as her personal objective for a 100% adoption rate for all rescues.
No matter what a person has done wrong during a career paid for by taxpayer dollars, kicking them when they are down is in itself inhumane. What Smithtown Taxpayers should be taking away from of this, is that attentions, requests and results have been met by Smithtown Councilmembers. The Town Board listened to the many concerned citizens about the poor treatment of the Smithtown Shelter Animals and then took action. Councilwoman Nowick’s efforts to institute Suffolk County’s first Animal Shelter Advisory Board have been unprecedented and she should be commended. The efforts of all board member to work together, despite differences of opinion, to rebuild a better Animal Shelter, improve medical care and basic vaccination treatment and to find every animal a final second chance, should be revered. And most importantly, the people of Smithtown who chose to stand up and be the voice for our four-legged companions, should take heart in knowing they forever changed the lives of countless innocent creatures, for the definite better.