Dear Editor:
The Animal Shelter Coalition is pleased to note that the new management at the Hudson County SPCA promises to be working to overcome the legacy of abuse and neglect at the SPCA. This is a promise, however, we have heard from several “new managements” at the SPCA over the past 11 years, promises that never actually resulted in any meaningful changes. By our count, this is the SPCA’s fourth attempt at reform, so be patient with us if we don’t subscribe to this latest declaration without some proof.
We have previously noted to Mr. Rotopel and his board that we will become directly involved with the SPCA when 1) the agency is independently audited; 2) the agency makes it financial information available to the public, including 990 tax returns, as federal law requires all nonprofits to do; 3) the agency regains its good standing with the State Division of Charitable Registrations, with whom it has yet to complete its initial registration, and with whom it has failed to file required financial forms and other information for many years; and 4) hires an experienced shelter manger with a record of humane care of animals. The groups that make up the Animal Shelter Coalition — Animals Need You, Companion Animal Placement, Hudson County Animal League and the Liberty Humane Society — are thrilled to support Jersey City’s new Liberty Animal Shelter. In fact, we suggest it is because of Mayor Glenn Cunningham, Council President L. Harvey Smith, Health & Human Services Director Betty Outlaw and others’ efforts to bring LAS into being that the SPCA has been able to reduce the number of animals in the SPCA. We also support Secaucus’s decision to open its own facility and the Hudson County Animal League’s initiative to open a new shelter in Bayonne.
Municipalities will be able to choose a provider, services for the taxpayer will localize and improve, the overcrowding in shelters will be lessened, and most importantly, the animals will receive better treatment. The more humane provides for animals, the better.
Everyone is encouraged to stop by the new Liberty Animal Shelter at 235 Jersey City Blvd., across from the Liberty Science Center or check out the animals available for adoption online by going to www.libertyanimalshelter.petfinder.com.
Diana H. Jeffrey, Esq.
Coalition advisor