Smithfield To Begin Animal Shelter Partnership In December

SMITHFIELD, RI – Animals lost and found in Smithfield will head to Lincoln starting next week as part of the town's partnership with Lincoln and Cumberland to utilize the Blackstone Valley Municipal Animal Shelter on Wellington Road. Blackstone Town Manager Randy Rossi said the Blackstone facility will provide a better environment for the animals.

"This partnership is a great start to other potential collaboration between the three communities and even more statewide," said Rossi. "The Blackstone Valley Municipal Animal Shelter provides an upgraded facility with numerous amenities on the 17.6 acre property for the animals."

Over the last few weeks, the three communities have worked together to iron out mutual policies and procedures to help ensure a smooth transition. The collaboration will officially begin on Sunday.

Smithfield officials said the new location will have no effect on service that animal control officers in Smithfield will continue to provide. Smithfield residents will continue to use 401-233-1055 for animal-control issues, and for an emergency call the Smithfield Police Department at 401-231-2500.

Smithfield will pay the Town of Lincoln $1,000 per month for the use of the facility, which includes the housing, feeding, care and adoption for all animals picked up by Smithfield animal control officers.