07/14/2025
I am sure by now you have heard about the horrific scene that unfolded over the weekend. Many of you have reached out offering assistance and asking questions. I would like to share some clarity on some of your questions not just about this terrible incident, but others as well that have come up in light of this.
-Where do the dogs go? Any stray animal that is found in the City of Troy automatically goes on a 5 day hold. In this time, if there is an owner, they come through the Clerks office for the redemption process. If there is not an owner that comes forward, the City of Troy becomes the legal owner of the dog and they stay with us in our temporary shelter. After the 5 day hold is up, we work with multiple rescue groups to rehome them in some way. Whether it be for fostering or adoption through the rescue groups. The City of Troy does not directly adopt out or foster our stray dogs. Mohawk Humane has not taken any dogs from the City of Troy in almost 2 years due to being over capacity. We work with other various rescue groups.
-Why doesn’t the City of Troy have a shelter? The City of Troy DOES have a (temporary) shelter. We have spent a lot of time and effort into rehabbing a space for our stray dogs and a field for them to run around and play in. The shelter is fully equipped with running water, heat in the winter, air flow in the summer, exhaust fans to help when accidents happen in the shelter, food, beds, treats, blankets, a brand-new epoxy floor to make cleanup even easier and the dogs more comfortable, and cages of all sizes to fit our very big range of dogs. We do not have the ability to house other municipalities dogs or adopt them out ourselves, but we take care of our stray animals in the City of Troy. If necessary, our team takes them to vet visits, checkups if the dogs stay is for an extended period of time and administers medications. Again, we work with various vet groups who take our appointments all when necessary.
-Can I volunteer to help take care of the dogs? Unfortunately, you can not. Only employees of the City of Troy are able to help out with our dog shelter. We have a great team taking care of them around the clock. We will be looking into adding more people to our team. Please stay tuned if interested!
-Why are dogs being dumped? The City of Troy has no control on how dogs end up in our City streets, but we do have a duty to take care of them if applicable. Animal cruelty is a very real thing. If you see something that doesn't look right, please reach out. As a community, we can all do our part in making sure the animals that are around us, are being well taken care of.
-How can I help? We are always able to take donations in the form of food, treats, blankets, and raised dog beds. Because we are a municipality, we are unable to accept anything monetary. But if you are willing and able to donate the other things mentioned, please reach out to the Clerks office for all donations. As of right now, the dogs are eating Hills Sensitive Skin and Stomach for large or small breed. Also, you can get your dog licensed at your local Clerks office. In some cases, dogs that may be stray to us are actually someone’s lost pet. If they had a tag with information on it, it is easier for Animal Control to find their owner.
Please understand that “it takes a village.” The City of Troy does not do any of this alone. We literally rely on our partners and our community to help us day in and day out. If you see a stray animal or a dog that is neglected, please call our Animal Control number. Is it a perfect situation? No, we are not a multimillion-dollar company with an endless budget, tons of volunteers, and donations being brought in every day . Everyone involved in our operation knows the hard work that is being put into it and for that, we are beyond grateful! We have had some growing pains over the past 18 months (since Mohawk stopped taking our dogs) and have adapted because of them. Everyone is just doing the best that they can with the tools that are being given to them.
Listed below will be different contact numbers if needed. If you are a rescue group and would like to assist us in any way, or someone who would like to donate, please reach out. 🐶🐶
City of Troy City Clerks Office (Maria DeBonis)-518-279-7134
Animal Control-518-270-4411
Animal Control Officer (Kevin McDonough) 518-708-3303
Out of the Pits, Inc. and Saratoga County Animal Shelter for all that are interested in fostering and adoptions. These are just a couple of the rescue groups that we partner with.
(Picture 📸 courtesy of our DPW Supervisor, Dad and his pups playing in the field)
