Managing Partner Teno West Presents on Rockland Green’s New Animal Shelter Initiatives at the County Attorneys’ Association of New York Annual Meeting

In May 2024, West Group Law attorneys attended the CAASNY Annual Meeting in Cooperstown, New York. Managing Partner Teno West conducted a presentation titled “Countywide Animal Management Services for Rockland County: A Tail to be Told.” The presentation featured a discussion regarding Rockland Green, and its recent transition from solely providing solid waste management services to taking on the additional responsibility of providing animal management services to Rockland County. The presentation also highlighted numerous changes to New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law, which take effect in December 2025. These changes establish responsible, uniform and effective standards for the care of animals in animal shelters, and apply to all public or not-for-profit entities owning, operating or maintaining an animal shelter. The new regulations set forth minimum requirements for all shelters to create and maintain records, create minimum housing requirements, provide protocols for cleaning and disinfecting, and require assessments and vaccinations for incoming animals, among other requirements.

The presentation focused on amendments to the Public Authorities Law and the Agriculture and Markets Law, which authorized Rockland Green to undertake Countywide animal management services in addition to its solid waste management duties.

Additionally, the presentation addressed Rockland Green’s plan to transform a warehouse into a state-of-the-art animal shelter. The new shelter will have capacity for dogs, cats, and exotic animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and reptiles, among other animals. With West Group Law’s guidance on this unique issue, Rockland Green is well-positioned to provide vital animal management services for the County.

Attorneys at West Group Law have represented municipalities and public entities across the country for more than 30 years in connection with litigation, environmental and regulatory matters, water and wastewater matters, solid waste issues, transportation, general municipal law, civic projects, structuring requests for proposals, contract negotiations, alternative project delivery methods, land use development, construction law, animal management services, and more. West Group Law attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and can assist municipalities and public entities in a variety of matters.