Adoption Applications for Dumpster Dog Now Being Accepted

Islip Town residents interested in adopting Miracle, the three-year-old dog dumped in a West Islip gas station dumpster on Christmas Eve, can submit an application starting today.

The applications will be reviewed by both town animal shelter and Suffolk County SPCA officials and the agencies will ultimately chose the adoption family.

“Miracles’s story touched the lives of many – locally, nationally and even internationally,” said Islip Town Councilman Anthony Senft, Jr., during a press conference on Wednesday.

“The outcry from the public has been overwhelming.  But thanks to the efforts of all involved, especially our Animal Shelter staff and volunteers, and the SPCA, Miracle’s story has a happy ending. A thorough adoption process which will be conducted jointly by a town shelter and SPCA committee, will ensure that Miracle gets the forever home that she so rightfully deserves.  Her story is truly a Miracle.”

The SCSPCA is still looking for a second dog involved in the case--Bailey, a 5-year-old cream colored Poodle, who was allegedly dropped off on a Babylon street. The SPCA is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the recovery of Bailey, and can be reached at 631-382-7722.

Applications for adoption must be filled out in person at the shelter, located at 210 South Denver Avenue in Bay Shore, and will be accepted Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, until Wednesday, January 29, between the hours of 12 noon and 2 pm. 

Islip Shelter professionals have determined after continual evaluation, that Miracle would be best suited to a forever home that has no other pets and no children under the age of 10. 

In an effort to reduce stress and anxiety, there will be no public viewing of Miracle until the joint committee has reviewed all applications. Final applicants will be invited to meet and greet Miracle by appointment in early February. 

During the press conference Sen. Phil Boyle announced he is sponsoring a new bill that seeks to modernize the definition of animal cruelty crimes in New York by promoting sound enforcement and consistent interpretation of current animal laws.

“It is time we take a stand for the innocent victims of abuse, like “Miracle” who are suffering day in and day out,” said Boyle. “We need to be the voice for the victims who do not have one. Animal cruelty will not be tolerated, and the penalty for animal abuse crimes will be increased.”

The Consolidated Animal Crimes Bill (S.6261) will improve enforcement by placing animal abuse under the criminal law, which is much more familiar to law enforcement officials. Placing New York’s anticruelty statutes under the Penal Law will increase the seriousness of animal abuse offenses and empower our police and court systems by giving the tools needed to thoroughly enforce and prevent serious crimes.

Currently, most animal cruelty statutes are found in the New York State Agricultural and Markets law. The Consolidated Animal Crimes Bill (S.6261) will improve enforcement by placing animal abuse under the criminal law, which is much more familiar to law enforcement officials. Placing New York’s anti-cruelty statues under the Penal Law will increase the seriousness of animal abuse offenses and empower our police and court systems by giving the tools needed to thoroughly enforce and prevent serious crimes, said Boyle.

“It is time we take a stand for the innocent victims of abuse who are suffering day in and day out,” said Boyle. “We need to be the voice for the victims who do not have one. Animal cruelty will not be tolerated, and the penalty for animal abuse crimes will be increased.”

Currently, serious animals crimes are often not pursued and instead handed down to investigators at local SPCA’s because police organizations are unfamiliar with the Agriculture and Markets Law, where these statutes are currently placed.