With more than a dozen dogs eagerly waiting to be unleashed, the Town of Huntington and the Long Island Power Authority today cut the ribbon on a new dog park and run adjacent to the Town's Animal Shelter.

Moments after the ribbon was cut, local dog owners took pleasure in releasing their pets into the 24,000 square foot fenced-in run. The new facility, located on property owned by LIPA, will be managed and maintained by the Town.

"This is a great day for all of our four-legged friends," said Supervisor Frank P. Petrone. "We made a promise to our dog owners that we would construct a safe and quality dog run and we are in the process of delivering just that. Without the assistance and cooperation of LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel, this would not have been possible."

"We're very pleased that LIPA has been able to provide this unique facility for Huntington area pet lovers," said Chairman Kessel. "As a pet owner myself, I know how a pet's health and safety can be of great concern to an owner. By working closely with Supervisor Petrone, we have been able to construct a facility that will allow pets to be exercised in an enclosed and protected environment."

The Town also announced that a separate, 11,200 square-foot run will be opened adjacent to the general public dog run to benefit those dogs that are temporarily held at the Town's Animal Shelter. Animal advocates and Shelter volunteers lobbied the Town for a separate run to provide the sheltered dogs with a safe and contained space for exercise.

"While our shelter volunteers have done an outstanding job by walking our dogs on a daily basis," Councilwoman Marlene L. Budd said, "this new facility will enable our dogs to run free and therefore provide much needed exercise."

Working closely with the dog advocacy group, H-Dog, and other dog owners, the Town conducted an extensive search of properties throughout the Town to construct a run facility. After being contacted by the Town, Chairman Kessel agreed to explore the feasibility of providing space on a vacant right-of-way owned by the utility. With LIPA providing the land, the Town paid for the installation of fencing and grading.

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson noted that the East Northport facility is the third dog run to be established in the Town. In conjunction with Suffolk County, the Town is helping to build a facility at Coindre Hall in Huntington. Suffolk manages another run at West Hills Park in West Hills.

"This new run represents our continued commitment to enhancing the quality of lives for everyone who lives in Huntington," said Councilman Cuthbertson. "Our dog owners have been patient and cooperative throughout the search process and I thank them for their assistance."

Councilwoman Susan A. Berland, the proud owner of a Chinese Crested Powder Puff, said the run's location is perfect and will not have any adverse impacts on residential neighborhoods. "This run is bordered by the Town's Resource Recovery Facility and a private bus company," Councilwoman Berland said. "I am happy that we have upheld our promise to our dog owners – and our canine friends."

Said Councilman Mark Capodanno: "Huntington has once again demonstrated its commitment to meeting the needs of our residents. This run will contribute greatly to the physical and mental health of our dogs and I thank LIPA for its cooperation."