The Town of Hempstead approved a new animal shelter consultant Tuesday night, a decision that drew criticism from some shelter volunteers during a town board meeting.

The board voted to hire Diane Madden for a three-month consulting contract at a rate of $63 an hour. Madden is set to begin the role on Feb. 1.

Several volunteers from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter spoke during public comment, raising concerns about Madden’s past criticism of the shelter and questioning her qualifications for the position.

Hilary Flanagan, a volunteer at the shelter, said Madden has no direct involvement with the facility and challenged the need for the paid role.

“She’s not a volunteer at the shelter and is not involved with the shelter,” Flanagan said. “I’m not seeing where the connection is to pay someone $63 an hour to come down here and do this.”

Others at the meeting defended the decision, pointing to Madden’s long history in animal advocacy and her commitment to animal welfare.

“In terms of Diane, I’ve worked with her over in animal advocacy for many years,” one speaker said. “There’s no one I know more with an unwavering commitment to the animals than she does.”