A humane society manager in Newark said this week that there is a sudden influx of animals being found dead in North Bergen.
Denton Infield of Newark’s Associated Humane Society, which is contracted to pick up animals from 30 area municipalities, he said he has seen a large increase in calls from the town of North Bergen to pick up dead and abandoned animals in the township. He said that in his seven years as manager of the shelter, this has never been an issue before.
“In a week, you pick up 24 dead animals in one town, it doesn’t make sense,” he said.
He said his agency has been called to retrieve dead dogs, cats, skunks, raccoons, sheep, and goats throughout North Bergen.
Infield said his agency has filed complaints with the New Jersey Department of Health to get to the bottom of the situation.
Richard Censullo, the Director of Health and Social Services for both North Bergen and Union City, confirmed last week that North Bergen was currently dealing with such a problem, but could not comment further because the North Bergen Health Department is currently investigating the issue.
Infield noted that sometimes, livestock like goats are found dead in the area because animal sacrifices are part of the Santeria religion, which is practiced in this area. However, the recent trend seems different because of the other animals found.
For more on this story, pick up this Sunday’s North Bergen Reporter or check this page for updates.