Then on July 1, 2020, as part of DiBernardo's submission of animal documentation to the Rockland Health Department, she allegedly filed an animal intake voucher containing false information. On June 25, 2020, DiBernardo, in her role as president of Hi-Tor Animal Care Center, directed the false entry of documents into the shelter's business records related to the intake of 17 animals, the release stated. The latest crisis began at the beginning of November when the shelter manager, Michael Santucci, announced he was leaving work to go to Rockland County Executive Ed Day's office to protest the board's actions and inactions, including work conditions.Rockland County Executive Ed Day, center, Hi-Tor board president Debbie DiBernardo, left, and director of strategic communications John Lyon look over renderings of the new facility during a ground breaking ceremony on the new Hi-Tor Animal Care Center facility in Pomona on Thursday, October 21, 2021. The shelter has suffered for years from overcrowding and underfunding, in a building basically unchanged since 1972. The County of Rockland has traditionally provided some funding to and made county facilities available to Hi Tor for animal control and care, and is underwriting a plan for a new facility. Hi Tor takes in more than 2,500 animals each year. The towns and villages in Rockland pay an annual fee to Hi Tor to house stray and rescued animals found in their municipalities. The unannounced inspection of Hi Tor Animal Care Center was meant to ensure the facility is adequately providing for the health and safety of the animals in Hi Tor’s care, they said. NANUET, NY - Town supervisors from across Rockland paid a suprise visit Wednesday to the county's troubled animal shelter.

Hi tor animal shelter wish list