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Feb. 20, 2007

This Administration, along with the Municipal Council, continues to review all available options regarding the establishment of an appropriate and permanent animal shelter. Since becoming Mayor on Nov. 13, I have maintained the goal of providing for the humane and affordable care of animals while considering limited taxpayer resources and the priority of other Township projects. Specifically, this Administration has pursued – and continues to pursue -- several potential options to locate or construct an appropriate shelter that provides humane and affordable care for Township animals. Several of the options under review include, but are not limited to: 1) leasing and/or converting a private facility; 2) potential conversion of existing Township facilities into a shelter that meet state, county, and municipal codes, regulations, and requirements; and 3) the construction of a new facility from the ground up. As has been mentioned, the prior Administration completed a study, posted and sought competitive bids to construct a shelter, only to learn that the costs were prohibitive. Yet another of the options under consideration explored discussion with local veterinarian Dr. Barry Adler. The discussions targeted the feasibility of renting space at Dr. Adler’s veterinary hospital. At the present time, we have completed discussions with Dr. Adler and will not be pursuing a rental agreement at this time. It is important to note that the possibility of renting space at Dr. Adler’s facility significantly addressed the concerns of animal shelter and care by: 1) meeting the immediate need to outfit a facility that would be available to take homeless and stray animals as soon as this Spring; 2) providing extraordinary and immediate care, medical services, and comfort to animals through an on-site veterinarian (a feature that few other municipal or county shelters employ); 3) allowing for a cost-effective expenditure of Township funds dedicated to the animal shelter; and 4) allowing the Township to cancel any lease should the County move to a consolidated animal shelter program. The options potentially offered via the Dr. Adler facility were considerable and achieved the goal we are all seeking – the humane care and sheltering of animals. Let me make it clear --- this Administration is committed to providing humane and affordable care and comfort to homeless and stray animals. We will continue to pursue appropriate options that have been, and remain, under consideration as we move to locate and provide an animal shelter that is cost effective and considers the needs of all Township taxpayers and financial priorities, while at the same time allowing for the goal that we all share – the humane care and protection of animals.  

John R. Hagerty
Mayor’s Office of Communications
(732) 602-6039

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