FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cumberland County Completes Animal Shelter Feasibility Study
Bridgeton, NJ (Friday, September 15, 2023)-
On December 20, 2022, the Cumberland County Commissioners authorized a feasibility study to address concerns raised by County Municipalities as to the increasing costs of animal control and the sheltering of lost, displaced, or non-owned animals. Currently each town is responsible to arrange and pay for pickup of animals in their jurisdiction, with the animals then taken to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter (SJRAS) located in Vineland.
The Study, conducted by Shelter Planners of America (SPA), considered data provided by Cumberland County, observations made during an on-site visit on July 10, 2023, to the SJRAS, and virtual meetings held with Municipal Stakeholders and County Administration on March 27, 2023, and July 27, 2023.
The Study provides a review of the existing conditions and current animal welfare care and operational trends. Additionally, it looks at current staffing and animal population levels, provides several options for future animal shelter services, but concludes that the current procedures and costs incurred are fair and reasonable. The final recommendation includes that a new contract should be negotiated between County Municipalities and the SJRAS that includes more transparency and safeguards.
The study is the first step in planning for the future of care of animals in need of shelter in Cumberland County. It serves as a formal assessment of the cost and conditions of the SJRAS based on national standards. For any further questions, please contact County administration at (856) 453-2125 or email Deputy Business Administrator Luz Vasquez at luzva@cumberlandcountynj.gov.
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