ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Lollypop Farm celebrated its 150th anniversary with a proclamation from local lawmakers honoring the shelter for matching animals with loving homes and advocating for animals rights.

Monroe County and the Town of Perinton issued special proclamations honoring the shelter that, during last year alone, helped to find homes for more than 4,100 animals.

The non-profit was created back in 1873 with a meeting to organize a society to prevent cruelty to animals. Last year, Lollypop Farm was involved in nearly 1,600 cat spay and neuter surgeries, donated over 13,000 pounds of food, and helped to keep 43 pets in their homes through assistance programs. Lollypop also helped more than 4,500 animals with clinic exams.

Since its founding, Lollypop Farm has also started a humane law enforcement team to investigate animal cruelty. Lollypop Farm President and CEO Alice Calabrese said the shelter has developed so much over its 150 years because of support from the community.

“Lollypop has staying power and it doesn’t happen without great leadership in an organization, great staff and a great community that supports the work,” she said. “If all of those things weren’t in place, we wouldn’t be here for 150 years. The work is so meaningful and so important.”

Lollypop Farm is currently working on a $20 million improvement project to add more spaces for housing animals and an education center.