Update from Mount Vernon Mayor, RIchard Thomas.

MAYOR THOMAS ASKS THE PUBLIC TO DONATE TO ANIMAL SHELTER'S VETERINARY TAB           Mayor Richard Thomas seeks the public's help in paying for the care of animals housed at the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter.           Over the weekend, Mayor Thomas and his family visited the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter at 600 Garden Avenue to donate almost 300 pounds of pet food to the animals in need of adoption.           "We have to show that we take care of everybody in Mount Vernon, especially the most vulnerable and defenseless animals" Mayor Thomas said during his visit to the shelter.           The Mount Vernon Animal Shelter needs more help. The shelter's veterinary bills haven't been paid by Comptroller Deborah Reynolds and the shelter's animal hospital has stopped treating new animals brought to the shelter.           The unpaid veterinary bills mean that new animals received into the shelter cannot be taken to the veterinarian, which requires the shelter's staff to keep them in cages to isolate them from the animals that have already received veterinary care.           A cat neutering package costs between $133 - $143. A dog vaccination package is between $100 - $145.           Mayor Thomas asks the public to call or send a check to PetChester Veterinary Hospital, stating it is specifically for the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter. PetChester Veterinary Hospital is located at 309 White Plains Road in Eastchester, 914-771-7387.