MSNBC Films 'Lockup' at Kent Animal Shelter
Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton will be getting national attention following an October 8 visit by film crews from MSNBC’s popular prison-based documentary television program Lockup.
During their visit, the show filmed volunteer inmates from the Suffolk County Corrections Department as they helped to improve the building and grounds of the no-kill shelter for abandoned, neglected and abused animals. An air date and time for the episode has yet to be determined.
“Our facility is old and outdated, and we desperately need a new facility,” Pamela Green, Executive Director of Kent Animal Shelter, says. “In the meantime, these Suffolk County Corrections Department program volunteers, along with our own volunteers, are improving the building and grounds so we can keep doing what we do every day until we can build the new facility,” Green adds, noting, “I learned of this program from Officer Campo, a great animal lover, who offered to plan and bring to fruition many projects that would have not otherwise been possible—these guys are a godsend.”
The Corrections Department program under Sheriff Vincent DeMarco gives inmates the opportunity to perform good works while also providing skilled labor that might otherwise be out of reach for community organizations. Under his tenure since 2006, Mr. DeMarco says he’s expanded the program because he believes it’s a “win-win.”
Jeff Campo and Phil Cantora of the Suffolk County Corrections Department have supervised and led inmates on renovation work at Kent Animal Shelter, including tree removal, fencing, roof repair and cleaning, painting, staining and more.
Kent Animal Shelter is located at 2259 River Road in Calverton. To volunteer, donate or learn more, call 631-727-5731 or visit kentanimalshelter.com.