Rockland's only animal shelter says in a statement that it has suspended accepting new animals because of a ringworm outbreak.

Hi Tor Animal Shelter is closed to the public due to the outbreak involving their cats.

It comes after dozens of people previously protested at the shelter in early November due to its conditions. Protesters also said they were upset at the firing of former director Mike Sanducci, who made Hi Tor a no-kill shelter.

Sanducci posted on Facebook that ringworm had been an ongoing issue for years but was always contained and that cats with ringworm were kept in a separate area.

He says after he left, current employees started mixing up animals and moving them all over the shelter.

Hi Tor President of the Board Debbi DiBarnardo says that ringworm had broken out because proper protocol hadn't been followed, but they are aggressively taking the steps necessary to care for the cat population and eradicate the infection.

People can still adopt animals but a sign on the gate says it's by appointment only.

News 12 Westchester reached out to DiBarnardo but she hasn't responded.