Assemblyman Steven M. Katz (R,C -Yorktown) has volunteered to be the veterinarian of record for Tilly Foster Farm. While the daily care of the animals falls to veterinary technician Theresa Delahanty who resides on the 199-acre property, Katz will donate his time and provide free medical coverage when necessary for the farm’s livestock.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Katz has offered us his veterinary services,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “This is just another example of ‘If you build it, they will come.’ And having an official veterinarian of record will go a long way in keeping our insurance premiums to a minimum. We know the farm animals will be in the best of hands with Steve and Theresa in charge of their health.”
A general practitioner and owner of the Concourse Animal Hospital in the Bronx, Katz has been working with animals since 1972. He decided to become a veterinarian after rescuing a man from a 23-foot long reticulated python that had escaped from its cage at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Katz earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Cornell University in 1976 and became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 when he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. During his studies, he served as a field researcher mapping sea turtle nesting beaches for the World Wildlife Fund in French Guiana and Galapagos. He also served as the assistant director of the Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve in Israel.
“I love the idea that Putnam County is bringing animals back to Tilly Foster Farm and I am more than happy to serve as their veterinarian,” said Katz.
A native of Nassau County on Long Island, Katz lives in Yorktown with his wife, Nicole, and their four daughters. A business owner, Katz and his wife opened Concourse Animal Hospital in September 1995. In 2009, he founded the Bronx Veterinary Center. He was elected Assemblyman for the 99th Assembly District in November of 2010. His recently redrawn district, the 94th, covers Yorktown, Somers, Carmel, Putnam Valley, Southeast and Patterson.