If shelter is closed because of money owed to Verizon,more than 50 animals could be put to death.

Queens, NY August 27, 2004 -- The Queens Community Animal Shelter,a division of the American Foundation for Animal Rescue Inc.,owes Verizon $17,777 for advertisements over several years.

Robert DeFranco,an animal behaviorist who runs the 13 year old shelter at 89-10 Eliot Ave.,said the city Marshal's Office notified him that the shelter will be padlocked and its assets auctioned unless the debt is paid immediately.

"Failure to do so will compel me to phisically levy upon your personal property", said the the, which was signed by Martin Bienstock.

DeFranco said he knew the group was behind in its payments to Verizon, but he did not realise the extent of the debt until the notice arrived.

"It's heartbreaking", Jill Morgangenstern, the shelter executive director said. "We operate and live day to day. We're very bare bones.We survive just on donation.It's not like we're raking it in."

Morgenstern said that if the marshall sells the group's equipment,more than 50 homeless animals would have to be put to death.

She admitted the shelter was at fault, but she also blamed Verizon sales people, saying they oversold ads to the shelter.

DeFranco said the shelter tried to work out a payment agreement with Verizon.

Michelle Callahan, a spokeswoman for Verizon, said many unsuccessful attemps were made to contact the shelter.

"We usually work with any customer who might be having difficulty,and we find a suitable agreement for both parties," she said.

The shelter,which takes in hundreds of animals,provides animal training and behavior services for the community.

DeFranco is reaching out to the public for help and hoping Verizon will call off the marshal's office.

"These large corporations should give a little back to the communities they serve, "DeFranco said. "We're not saying we don't have an obligation, but to have some kindness and give us a break. If the padlock the door and kill all the animals,what kind of money are they going to make?"

Anyone wanting to help the shelter can call
1(718)205-0200



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