A new chapter is unfolding for animal welfare in the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Valley SPCA is expanding its operations to the beloved Squirrelwood Equine Sanctuary, a 92-acre refuge in Montgomery that has long been a safe haven for farm animals and wildlife.

For years, Squirrelwood has provided shelter to horses, pigs, cows, donkeys and mini horses, many of them rescued from abuse or neglect. Now, the sanctuary will become the future home of the SPCA’s expanded rescue mission.

Beth Hyman, executive director of Squirrelwood, will sell the property to the SPCA but remain deeply involved. She plans to personally hold the mortgage and help raise funds each month to support the payments and the development of new facilities.

“I wanted this to stay a sanctuary for animals,” Hyman said. “I did not want to see this become a warehouse.”

Hudson Valley SPCA president Joan Key says the expansion comes at a critical time.

“We need to expand into a location that can accommodate all animals,” Key said.

The new location will allow the SPCA to house not only farm animals but also increase its capacity to find homes for dogs and cats.

Plans include building indoor facilities that will allow animals to be shown year-round, regardless of weather.

“Whether it’s horses, cows or dogs, you’re going to have a place to show animals year-round,” Key added.

However, the property still needs significant upgrades. The SPCA is calling on the public to help fund the work needed to enclose and prepare the space for its new role.

“We’re going to look to the public,” Key said. “We need to do work to enclose this place.”

There’s no doubt that the expanded property will help the region’s four-legged friends—both big and small.

The SPCA hopes to finalize the deal by the end of the year.