On Thursday, outside of the entrance of the Pet Adoption Center, dozens of local, state and city officials joined the Humane Society Board, volunteers, cats, dogs and countless animal lovers to announce the name change, which they are hopeful will ”better reflect all the communities it serves.”

Each year, the shelter provides safe haven for more than 500 dogs and 750 cats, servicing and assisting the animals of 19 municipalities in southern Westchester.

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson joked that he should feel “jilted” that his city is no longer prominently featured in the new name, but added that it’s an important change that will benefit all parties involved. He added that the men and women tasked with taking care of the animals at the Humane Society are some of the most important in the community.

“The board, staff and volunteers of this organization are some of the finest, most dedicated around. Their dedication proves that a community provides care for every member of the community,” he said.

John Feldtmose, the president of the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Westchester, said that although they are located in New Rochelle, by switching the name to something that sounds more regional, they would be able to spread their message to a wider demographic.

“We may be physically located in New Rochelle, but the animals we rescue and provide care for come from many communities, and they do not care about town lines and boundaries,” he said. “Because of our name, many people weren’t aware that we served their communities. We want those other communities to known how vital our organization is to them and that we need their support.” 

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