Who picks up our lost pets and where are they taking them?

Have you asked your health department for this information?

The contact information for our animal control vendor is on the South Orange website on the appropriate page. AI often sucks at answering even basic questions.

susan1014 said:

The contact information for our animal control vendor is on the South Orange website on the appropriate page. AI often sucks at answering even basic questions.

I'm aware of that but the point is I've been on the phone with them the dispatcher was clear that they will not reveal where the animals are taken. I explained that as a 501C3 cat rescue I get calls and emails asking for help sometimes not in South Orange. She refused to even email me a list of the towns they service. The website says 40 towns she said they are up to 50. Vaguely explained they call various vets and shelters to ask to leave found animals.

Don't residents want to know where their lost dog or cat may end up.

She explained they don't give out that information because in the past people have protested the locations.

Now why would that be.

When the contract was first considered I sent my questions to Health Officer Candice Davenport asking if she had done an inspection.

She replied she was not allowed to until after they sign.

How's that for transparency.

I've included their number and website above. 

joan_crystal said:

Have you asked your health department for this information?

Yes, spent months and copied Sheena in initially. 

Important to understand as far as cats go Health Officer Davenport who worked under the wonderful Robert Roe, started fining people in both towns for feeding established colonies, TNRd under People for Animals and St. Hubert's. I explained to Sheena who corrected her at least for South Orange.

Davenport's disdain for community cats provoked her to write an article in one of our local magazines, calling cats an invasive species.

I'm happy to share bills in front of Congress and stay in touch with former Senator Lesniak and a host of other legislators with bills, one is being pushed because of Animal Control Solutions bad practices.

I'll post here.

Unfortunately, Maplewood is scheduled to pass a resolution renewing the ACS contract tonight.  

I didn’t know that Melanie Troncone had died until just now, reading Morganna’s comment. 

What a foolish and misguided decision that was, the Village leadership abolishing her position in animal control. That is, if you have any concern for the welfare of animals. 

I met Melanie a few times. The consummate professional. 

More importantly, she was a wonderful human being. The best of the best.

Elle_Cee said:

Unfortunately, Maplewood is scheduled to pass a resolution renewing the ACS contract tonight.  

There is a public comment period for agenda items (included proposed resolutions) near the start of the meeting if anyone wants to speak on this.

Does anyone know if there is a viable alternative that our towns could consider if this contract is not renewed?

Now that St. Hubert's has backed out of animal control, Associated Humane in Newark is a better option than ACS.  Associated Humane has a lot of problems, because it's overwhelmed, but at least animals picked up in this town would be taken to a known destination, a shelter that's not far away.  

However, reading the resolution that was posted for tonight's meeting, it's stated that ACS was the only company that submitted a proposal in response to Maplewood's RFP this year.  It's possible that AHS, being overwhelmed, is unable to take on another municipality's animal control.  

Elle_Cee said:

However, reading the resolution that was posted for tonight's meeting, it's stated that ACS was the only company that submitted a proposal in response to Maplewood's RFP this year.  It's possible that AHS, being overwhelmed, is unable to take on another municipality's animal control.  

I doubt that they saw the RFP.

I know two incredible people who work there. Sherry Laraway (dogs) and Emma Dolan (cats) Sherry used to volunteer at the JAC.

I know there is little time but I'd be happy to reach out. As a 501C3 rescue I've had permission to pull cats, which I did for years.

SOMA does not have that many strays to discourage a big organization like Associated Humane, They did however get ousted by Maplewood years ago.

At least in the question period someone might request a list of how many dogs and cats were picked up and where they were held.

It is legit to request the inspection reports for the facilities they use.

It is fair to ask the dates that the Health Officer inspected the facility.

In the past, as a South Orange resident I was not permitted to speak at your meetings.

dickf3 said:

I didn’t know that Melanie Troncone had died until just now, reading Morganna’s comment. 

What a foolish and misguided decision that was, the Village leadership abolishing her position in animal control. That is, if you have any concern for the welfare of animals. 

I met Melanie a few times. The consummate professional. 

More importantly, she was a wonderful human being. The best of the best.

What the problem was, that when the shelter was closed and a new facility was needed, Associated Humane stepped in and their policy was to require the use of their ACOs.

That was policy of St. Hubert's as well.

West Orange, Montclair, East Orange and Livingston have shelters so they also have their own ACOs. Its great as they get to know the town and the neighbors.

To keep Melanie, the town would have had to allow use of the shelter which is now just used for Parking Authority and briefly a place to store books while the library is renovated.

I've always said it makes sense to use the building and share an ACO.

I was happy with St. Hubert's but they are no longer contracting out as an ACO.

When you have the shelter you make money from other towns offering to share your ACOs who are not busy most of the time.

If the shelter is already built on town property, it's a win win.

West Orange has a tiny shelter and rumor has it that it may be moving. Nothing for sure.

Morganna said:

I doubt that they saw the RFP.

I know two incredible people who work there. Sherry Laraway (dogs) and Emma Dolan (cats) Sherry used to volunteer at the JAC.

I know there is little time but I'd be happy to reach out. As a 501C3 rescue I've had permission to pull cats, which I did for years.

SOMA does not have that many strays to discourage a big organization like Associated Humane, They did however get ousted by Maplewood years ago.

At least in the question period someone might request a list of how many dogs and cats were picked up and where they were held.

It is legit to request the inspection reports for the facilities they use.

It is fair to ask the dates that the Health Officer inspected the facility.

In the past, as a South Orange resident I was not permitted to speak at your meetings.

I remember when they got  ousted by Maplewood years ago. AHS was under different management then. People were afraid to use them. It has improved so much, but they are so overcrowded. Still I would rather have them and a good TNR program like Millburn.

Here's a summary of the bill with requirements for animal control

STATEMENT

This bill requires each municipality to establish a municipal animal control program that provides animal control services in the municipality, implements the provisions and requirements established in the bill, and enforces State laws, rules, and regulations concerning animal control and animal cruelty. The bill also establishes additional requirements and components for municipal animal control programs and establishes Department of Health (DOH) oversight over municipal animal control programs. In addition, the bill:

(1) requires each municipality to prioritize funding of its municipal animal control program when allocating municipal funds for the purpose of animal control;

(2) establishes a grant program administered by the DOH to assist with funding the requirements established by the bill; and

(3) makes an initial appropriation of $500,000 for these grants.

The bill requires each municipality to appoint a municipal health officer to oversee the municipal animal control program and coordinate services in the municipality between certified animal control officers, contracted animal control services, shelters, pounds, kennels operating as shelters or pounds, foster homes, animal rescue organizations and their animal rescue organization facilities, and the veterinarians who provide care for animals placed in or impounded in these facilities. The municipal health officer is required to:

(1) advise the governing body of the municipality concerning the implementation of the municipal animal control program and its compliance with State laws and regulations concerning animal control; and

(2) provide a quarterly report to the governing body of the municipality and the State Office of Veterinary Public Health in the Department of Health concerning the implementation of the municipal animal control program and its compliance with the applicable State laws and regulations.

The bill directs the DOH to consult with the municipal health officers and oversee the enforcement of municipal animal control programs through the municipal health officers. If a complaint concerning animal control is not addressed satisfactorily by the municipality, a complaint may be filed with the State Office of Veterinary Public Health and addressed through a process developed by that office.

The bill establishes requirements concerning the municipal response to reports of an animal outside of the control of an owner, creating a threat to public health or safety, or interfering with the enjoyment of property, and provision for compliance with these requirements in any contract of a private animal control service or a certified animal control officer, as enumerated in sections 2 and 3 of the bill.

The bill authorizes the State Office of Veterinary Public Health to intervene in the contracting of a private animal control service or certified animal control officer by a municipality, if the municipal health officer or the municipality do not comply with the contract requirements in the bill. The bill further authorizes the State Office of Veterinary Public Health to revise as necessary, provisions of the contract concerning impoundment of animals and animal control officer response to reports of an animal outside of the control of an owner, animals creating a threat to public health or safety, or interfering with the enjoyment of property, if the revision is required by a lack of funding which the municipality demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department of Health.

In addition, the bill requires each municipal animal control program to include implementation of a homeless cat program through the enactment of an ordinance or resolution. The homeless cat program may implement any humane method of addressing homeless cats in the municipality, but if the municipality chooses to permit cat colonies in the municipality, the bill establishes additional requirements.

If a cat colony is permitted, the municipal ordinance or resolution is required to provide for the assignment of care for the cat colony to vetted individuals or representatives of an animal rescue organization contracted by the municipality, or the certified animal control officer or the private animal control services contracted by the municipality, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the ordinance or resolution shall provide for the management of veterinary care for the cat colony, oversight of the administration of veterinary care, and the person assigned care of the cat colony is required to maintain records on its care and report annually to the governing body of the municipality and the State Office of Veterinary Public Health concerning the oversight of the cat colony. The bill also provides that any cat in the cat colony that is not ear-tipped must be captured, spayed or neutered, ear-tipped, vaccinated, and returned to the cat colony.

Finally, the bill authorizes the DOH to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the bill’s provisions and coordinate the implementation of municipal animal control programs to ensure uniform enforcement of animal control and concerns related to animal control throughout the State.

Here's the bill.

Bill A4898

Session 2024 - 2025

ASSEMBLY, No. 4898

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

221st LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCED OCTOBER 17, 2024

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman LINDA S. CARTER

District 22 (Somerset and Union)

Assemblyman REGINALD W. ATKINS

District 20 (Union)

SYNOPSIS

Requires establishment of municipal animal control programs and DOH oversight over such programs; appropriates $500,000 for grants to municipalities for associated costs.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

As introduced.

An Act concerning animal control, supplementing P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.1 et seq.), and making an appropriation.

Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. a. Each municipality shall establish a municipal animal control program that:

(1) provides animal control services in the municipality;

(2) implements the provisions and requirements of sections 2, 3, and 4 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), in conjunction with any animal control services already required pursuant to law in the municipality prior to the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill); and

(3) enforces, and complies with, the requirements the provisions of chapter 19 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes pertaining to animal control, including, but not limited to, the provisions of section 4 of P.L.1983, c.525 (C.4:19-15.16b), section 16 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.16), P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-18 et seq.), and any applicable provisions of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.1 et al.).

b. Each municipality shall prioritize funding of its municipal animal control program established pursuant to this section when allocating municipal funds available for the purpose of animal control.

c. The governing body of each municipality shall appoint a municipal health officer to oversee the municipal animal control program and coordinate services in the municipality between certified animal control officers, contracted animal control services, shelters, pounds, kennels operating as shelters or pounds, foster homes, animal rescue organizations and their animal rescue organization facilities, and the veterinarians who provide care for animals placed in or impounded in these facilities.

d. The municipal health officer shall advise the governing body of the municipality concerning the implementation of the municipal animal control program and its compliance with State laws and regulations concerning animal control, and shall report quarterly to the governing body of the municipality and the State Office of Veterinary Public Health in the Department of Health concerning the implementation of the municipal animal control program and its compliance with State laws and regulations concerning animal control.

e. The Department of Health shall consult with the municipal health officers appointed pursuant to subsection c. of this section and shall oversee the enforcement of municipal animal control programs through the municipal health officers. If a complaint concerning animal control is not addressed satisfactorily by the municipality, a complaint may be filed with the State Office of Veterinary Public Health. The State Office of Veterinary Public Health shall establish procedures for receiving, reviewing, and addressing such complaints.

f. The Department of Health shall adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of sections 1 through 5 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) and to coordinate the implementation of municipal animal control programs to ensure uniform enforcement of animal control and concerns related to animal control throughout the State.

2. a. For the purpose of this section, “certified animal control officer” means a certified animal control officer appointed pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1983, c.525 (C.4:19-15.16b) or a properly certified, trained, and authorized animal control officer of a private animal control service contracted by a municipality.

b. Provided sufficient funds are made available, the governing body of each municipality shall appoint or contract with a sufficient number of certified animal control officers to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section. When appointing or contracting with a certified animal control officer to provide animal control services for the municipality, the governing body shall notify the certified animal control officer of any law, rule, or regulation governing the proper handling or transport of animals and shall require compliance with the laws, rules, or regulations as a condition of the certified animal control officer’s contract with the municipality as provided pursuant to section 3 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

c. Each municipality shall establish a patrol schedule for certified animal control officers serving the municipality. The municipality may require the certified animal control officer to patrol the municipality by vehicle, canvas by foot, monitor by social media, or by other means. The municipality shall establish the type, number, and frequency of patrols required, provided that, if patrol is by vehicle or on foot, the patrols are no less than twice per week.

d. Each municipality shall instruct its law enforcement officers to refer a report of an animal outside of the control of an owner, creating a threat to public health or safety, or interfering with the enjoyment of property to the certified animal control officer or private animal control service serving the municipality. If the animal cannot be returned to the control of the owner or the person charged by the owner to care for the animal, the certified animal control officer shall impound the animal pursuant to section 16 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.16) or take other appropriate action as provided pursuant to subsection e. of this section.

e. A certified animal control officer shall respond immediately, regardless of the time of day or day of the week, upon receipt of a report of an animal outside of the control of an owner, creating a threat to public health or safety, or interfering with the enjoyment of property, and take appropriate action as follows:

(1) if the animal is sick or injured, the certified animal control officer shall immediately obtain proper care for the animal from a licensed veterinarian, except that (a) if the animal is a wild animal, the certified animal control officer shall report the location and condition of the animal to the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection and obtain proper care for the animal in coordination with the division, or (b) if the animal is domestic livestock or an agricultural animal, the certified animal control officer shall report the location and condition of the animal to the Department of Agriculture and obtain proper care for the animal in coordination with the department;

(2) if the animal appears to have been subjected to an act of animal cruelty, the certified animal control officer shall contact immediately the municipal humane law enforcement officer or the county humane law enforcement officer and obtain proper care for the animal;

(3) if the animal is presumed to be a stray domestic companion animal or an animal living outdoors with no apparent owner, and the animal does not appear to require immediate veterinary care, the animal control officer shall take control of the animal and place the animal in an animal shelter, pound, or kennel operating as a shelter or pound pursuant to section 16 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.16); or

(4) if the animal is a dog that has attacked or injured a person or another animal and is presumed to be vicious or potentially dangerous, the certified animal control officer shall comply with the provisions of sections 3 and 4 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-19 and C.4:19-20).

f. The licensed veterinarian providing proper care of the animal pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection e. of this section shall have the sole discretion to humanely euthanize the animal if the animal is suffering irremediable pain, is beyond hope of recovery, and the owner of the animal is unknown or cannot be consulted within a reasonable amount of time, as determined by the licensed veterinarian.

g. The certified animal control officer shall file a report and maintain records of any response to a report of an animal outside of the control of an owner, creating a threat to public health or safety, or interfering with the enjoyment of property pursuant to subsection e. of this section, in the manner required and provided for pursuant to section 3 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

h. The Department of Health shall establish procedures for the reporting and maintenance of records by the certified animal control officer, contracted animal control service, and each municipality of reports of any animal outside of the control of an owner, animals creating a threat to public health or safety, or interfering with the enjoyment of property, dog attacks, and other incidents involving animals, and the response time of the certified animal control officer to those reports. The department shall annually inspect the records maintained by each municipality pursuant to this section and shall make recommendations to the municipality concerning compliance with the requirements of this section.

3. a. Whenever a municipality elects to contract animal control services in lieu of, or in addition to, the appointment of an animal control officer or municipal humane law enforcement officer pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1983, c.525 (C.4:19-15.16b), or whenever a municipality is contracting the services of a certified animal control officer, prior to entering into a contract, as applicable, the municipal health officer of the municipality shall review the terms and conditions of the contract and ensure the following provisions are included in the contract:

(1) provisions for the private animal control service or certified animal control officer, as applicable, to comply with the requirements for adequate, timely response to stray or surrendered animals and other animal control concerns, suspected rabies, and vicious dog related incidents or complaints established pursuant to section 2 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill);

(2) documentation, and the annual update thereof, of (a) the State certification of each animal control officer employed by the private animal control service or the certified animal control officer, as applicable, (b) the eligibility of each animal control officer pursuant to subsections b. and c. of section 3 of P.L.1983, c.525 (C.4:19-15.16a);

(3) documentation of (a) impoundment space available to the private animal control service or certified animal control officer, as applicable, (b) its adequacy for the present and projected intake of animals from all municipalities contracting with the private animal control service or certified animal control officer, as applicable, and (c) provisions for ensuring the impoundment space would be increased as necessary to provide for animal intake, including any additional cost and how the additional cost shall be provided for; and

(4) any other provisions necessary to ensure full compliance with State animal control laws and regulations.

b. The municipal health officer shall require, in a contract with the private animal control service or certified animal control officer, as applicable, any necessary revisions to the provisions of the proposed contract that do not comply with all State laws and regulations and the requirements of subsection a. of this section. The municipality shall not enter into any contract with a private animal control service or certified animal control officer, as applicable, until all the provisions of the contract comply with all State animal control laws, rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, including the requirements of subsection a. of this section.

c. When a municipality proposes entering into a contract with a private animal control service or certified animal control officer, as applicable, the municipality submit a copy of the proposed contract to the State Office of Veterinary Public Health for approval and proof of compliance with the requirements of subsection b. of this section. In the event that a municipal health officer or a municipality does not comply with the requirements of subsection b. of this section, the State Office of Veterinary Public Health shall intervene in the contracting of the private animal control service or certified animal control officer, as applicable, by the municipality and shall ensure compliance with this section.

d. To ensure the optimum implementation of a municipal animal control program, the State Office of Veterinary Public Health may revise as necessary any provision of a contract concerning paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection a. of this section if (a) the noncompliance results from a lack of sufficient funding, and (b) the municipality demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department of Health that the municipality is unable to provide sufficient funding of the requirement without revising the contract provisions.

4. a. Each municipality shall establish, within its municipal animal control program, a program to address the issue of homeless cats in the municipality, and implement the homeless cat program through the enactment of an ordinance or resolution. The homeless cat program may include impoundment of homeless cats in shelters or pounds, housing and caring for homeless cats in animal rescue organization facilities or foster homes, regulating and overseeing cat colonies in the municipalities, humanely euthanizing homeless cats, or any other humane methods of addressing homeless cats in the municipality. The municipal health officer of the municipality shall be oversee the homeless cat program and shall annually report to the Office of Veterinary Public Health concerning the implementation of the program.

b. When a municipality establishes a homeless cat program to regulate and oversee cat colonies in the municipality, the ordinance or resolution establishing the program shall provide for assignment of care for the cat colony to vetted individuals or representatives of an animal rescue organization, or the certified animal control officer or the private animal control services contracted by the municipality, or a combination thereof. The ordinance or resolution shall provide for the management of veterinary care for the cat colony, oversight of the administration of veterinary care, and, for any cat in the cat colony that is not ear-tipped, the capture, spay or neutering, ear-tipping, vaccination, and return of the ear-tipped cat to the cat colony.

c. A person assigned by the municipality to care for a cat colony pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall maintain records on the population of the cat colony, care provided to the cats in the cat colony, management of veterinary care for the cat colony and administration of the veterinary care, and the number of cats annually spayed, neutered, ear-tipped, vaccinated, and returned to the cat colony. A person contracted by a municipality to care for a cat colony shall report annually to the municipal health officer and the governing body of the municipality concerning the implementation of the care of the cat colony, and shall make any records maintained pursuant to this subsection available to the municipal health officer and the governing body of the municipality upon request.

5. a. The Department of Health, as part of its annual budget request to the Legislature, shall request monies sufficient to provide grants to defray the cost to municipalities to comply with the requirements of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

b. As part of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection f. of section 1 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the Department of Health shall establish ranking criteria and application procedures for the award of monies available from the department to municipalities to defray the cost to comply with the requirements of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

6. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health $500,000 for grants to municipalities to defray the cost to comply with the requirements of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill).

7. This act shall take effect immediately.

dickf3 said:

I didn’t know that Melanie Troncone had died until just now, reading Morganna’s comment. 

What a foolish and misguided decision that was, the Village leadership abolishing her position in animal control. That is, if you have any concern for the welfare of animals. 

I met Melanie a few times. The consummate professional. 

More importantly, she was a wonderful human being. The best of the best.

I totally agree, and after the JAC was closed she remained ACO until St Hubert’s took over. She brought our dogs to Livingston Animal shelter. 
 Livingston didn’t take our cats. 

She was working as an ACO at the Union Animal Shelter before she passed away. Such a huge loss to our community.

phoenix24 said:

I totally agree, and after the JAC was closed she remained ACO until St Hubert’s took over. She brought our dogs to Livingston Animal shelter. 
 Livingston didn’t take our cats. 

She was working as an ACO at the Union Animal Shelter before she passed away. Such a huge loss to our community.

Loved Debbie from Maplewood as well and of course the original South Orange ACO Dick Ash.

phoenix24 said:

I remember when they got  ousted by Maplewood years ago. AHS was under different management then. People were afraid to use them. It has improved so much, but they are so overcrowded. Still I would rather have them and a good TNR program like Millburn.

There are 2 great TNR groups now,

Whiskers, and I've invited Kathy to post here.

And CPAW and I've invited Amanda Ondorf as well.

CPAW has reached out to Maplewood Library to do a TNR presentation. They just did one in Livingston. Several bills in NJ Congress are working on making TNR statewide.

It will drastically reduce the births of kittens which will be a lifesaver.

My friend Marcia is working with Milburn.

I offered to work with my town SO but asked for recovery space at the old JAC. It was not an option so perhaps CPAW can help us. Whiskers is further but they are expert. Both require our involvement.

Morganna said:

Loved Debbie from Maplewood as well and of course the original South Orange ACO Dick Ash.

Yes, I loved both of them, too! Nothing like having our own local ACO. 

Morganna said:

There are 2 great TNR groups now,

Whiskers, and I've invited Kathy to post here.

And CPAW and I've invited Amanda Ondorf as well.

CPAW has reached out to Maplewood Library to do a TNR presentation. They just did one in Livingston. Several bills in NJ Congress are working on making TNR statewide.

It will drastically reduce the births of kittens which will be a lifesaver.

My friend Marcia is working with Milburn.

I offered to work with my town SO but asked for recovery space at the old JAC. It was not an option so perhaps CPAW can help us. Whiskers is further but they are expert. Both require our involvement.

Morganna said:

There are 2 great TNR groups now,

Whiskers, and I've invited Kathy to post here.

And CPAW and I've invited Amanda Ondorf as well.

CPAW has reached out to Maplewood Library to do a TNR presentation. They just did one in Livingston. Several bills in NJ Congress are working on making TNR statewide.

It will drastically reduce the births of kittens which will be a lifesaver.

My friend Marcia is working with Milburn.

I offered to work with my town SO but asked for recovery space at the old JAC. It was not an option so perhaps CPAW can help us. Whiskers is further but they are expert. Both require our involvement.

CPAW, Whiskers, and PFA are great, but some people for various reasons will not do their own TNR. I think it would work better if we hired someone in addition to using these great resources. 
The shelters and rescues are in a crisis, There are just too many, and help is needed. I really wish our towns would follow Millburns program.

phoenix24 said:

CPAW, Whiskers, and PFA are great, but some people for various reasons will not do their own TNR. I think it would work better if we hired someone in addition to using these great resources. 
The shelters and rescues are in a crisis, There are just too many, and help is needed. I really wish our towns would follow Millburns program.

When ACS was asked they reply that they will do TNR if the town approves it.

It is in our South Orange ordinance, was in Maplewood's. 

So, people need to contact our boards and town councils. If they agree with TNR and believe that ACS is doing it, then we need to ask them to do it.

Instead people go write to social media, like Facebook, and ask someone to help. That works but it never lets the town know there is a need.

Take a look at the summary of that bill. Important to know it is not the only bill.

Unless we rattle some cages, the problem will get worse. Our towns border larger towns with no TNR and a habit of cat dumping. I'm luckily on the West Orange border and my friend Judy Steir does an awesome job of managing West Orange TNVR but many of my rescue friends are at an age where they are looking for younger people to step up and speak out.

Hoping the Maplewood Library event with CPAW will inspire some action.

But we need to let the lawmakers know that ACS falls short of what our state legislators are working on.

ACS should not be giving residents vague answers as our taxes pay their salaries.

Morganna said:

When ACS was asked they reply that they will do TNR if the town approves it.

It is in our South Orange ordinance, was in Maplewood's. 

So, people need to contact our boards and town councils. If they agree with TNR and believe that ACS is doing it, then we need to ask them to do it.

Instead people go write to social media, like Facebook, and ask someone to help. That works but it never lets the town know there is a need.

Take a look at the summary of that bill. Important to know it is not the only bill.

Unless we rattle some cages, the problem will get worse. Our towns border larger towns with no TNR and a habit of cat dumping. I'm luckily on the West Orange border and my friend Judy Steir does an awesome job of managing West Orange TNVR but many of my rescue friends are at an age where they are looking for younger people to step up and speak out.

Hoping the Maplewood Library event with CPAW will inspire some action.

But we need to let the lawmakers know that ACS falls short of what our state legislators are working on.

ACS should not be giving residents vague answers as our taxes pay their salaries.

I didn’t realize that ACS did TNR for the towns they service. They still wouldn’t be my first choice since they are vague with information. I have seen some kittens on their site and a few cats up for adoption. I have never seen any of the cats from Maplewood or South Orange for adoption that they picked up. They have listed some dogs, though.

phoenix24 said:

I didn’t realize that ACS did TNR for the towns they service. They still wouldn’t be my first choice since they are vague with information. I have seen some kittens on their site and a few cats up for adoption. I have never seen any of the cats from Maplewood or South Orange for adoption that they picked up. They have listed some dogs, though.

 

Yes, I get it. I searched on Petfinder and found only 2 cats up for adoption. I thought they might be useful to trap, neuter and return to the caretaker. What CPAW hopes to do is get a mix of trappers transporters etc.

I tried many years ago when SOMA for Animals was formed but no one came forward. I'd be happy to help with part of the effort. 

Say if someone couldn't drop off to PFA because of work or if someone for the same reason couldn't pick up. If the town let me use a recovery space I could do more.

Problem too is funding.

I took a kitten from CPAW a few years ago, to transfer into my rescue but the little one wound up having Feline Infectious Peritonitis. I luckily found out how to get meds, not yet approved by the FDA. $5000 later, he was saved, and has been in remission for about 3 years. So people need to be willing to at least pay for the spay/neuter.

There are some resources in Essex County right now.

Still the towns are paying thousands for the service ACS provides. One quote I heard was $70,000.

Morganna said:

Yes, I get it. I searched on Petfinder and found only 2 cats up for adoption. I thought they might be useful to trap, neuter and return to the caretaker. What CPAW hopes to do is get a mix of trappers transporters etc.

I tried many years ago when SOMA for Animals was formed but no one came forward. I'd be happy to help with part of the effort. 

Say if someone couldn't drop off to PFA because of work or if someone for the same reason couldn't pick up. If the town let me use a recovery space I could do more.

Problem too is funding.

I took a kitten from CPAW a few years ago, to transfer into my rescue but the little one wound up having Feline Infectious Peritonitis. I luckily found out how to get meds, not yet approved by the FDA. $5000 later, he was saved, and has been in remission for about 3 years. So people need to be willing to at least pay for the spay/neuter.

There are some resources in Essex County right now.

Still the towns are paying thousands for the service ACS provides. One quote I heard was $70,000.

That’s a lot of money for the few services we receive.