Give me shelter

Animal control and sheltering has been a conundrum in Hudson County for over a year, as the county shelter in Jersey City run by the SPCA was shut down a year ago because of health violations, leaving some local towns without animal control services or a place to take stray creatures.
While a few area towns have their own shelters or animal control officers, others – like Union City – must award a contract for those services. Some, like West New York, take found animals and strays as far as Newark.
But last month, the Union City Board of Commissioners appointed members to the newly formed Feral Cats Advisory Committee.
The idea was germinated following the confusing situation of Mr. Mangled Paw, a cat found on the street by Union City resident Joyce Fetterman.

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“It’s not just about one cat.” – Joyce Fetterman
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Last year, Fetterman called the Union City animal services contractor to pick up the stray cat and take him to a humane shelter, but she said the contractor evaded her phone calls until he begrudgingly came for the animal. When she checked back with city officials to confirm that the cat had been brought to a no-kill shelter as promised, she went through a maze of phone calls and received incorrect information. Ultimately, Mr. Mangled Paw was located in the basement of Summit Animal Clinic.
Fetterman fostered the cat and communicated with Mayor Brian Stack to request that residents be made aware of the local animal shelters and animal control options.
“It’s not just about one cat,” said Fetterman earlier this month. “It’s about the ‘black hole’ that animals appear to fall into when picked up by animal control. Good people who want to help have no options. What happens to the animals that get picked up?”

Animal advocates

Miguel Fernandez, Laura Robinson, Mercedes Garcia, Lauren Battista, Ana Mas, Tony Squire, and Richard Censullo, a Union City health officer, will take part in the committee that has been charged with addressing the issue of wild cats in Union City neighborhoods.
With just about one month under their belt, the committee is getting acquainted and determining when, where, and how often they will meet.
“Lao Tzu said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,” said committee member Tony Squire recently. “So, we have begun by taking that step, with the creation of a committee.”
City spokesman Mark Albiez said that Mayor Brian Stack will be in communication with members of the Feral Cats Advisory Committee as they progress.
Squire, a Union City resident for 22 years and member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), is hoping that the committee can help address issues like those Fetterman expressed.
“I like to believe that all the members of this committee are dedicated to bringing about change,” said Squire, “[and] to improve the quality of life of the feral cats and kittens throughout Union City neighborhoods.”
Squire is a longtime animal advocate and has several ideas for the committee in the hope that together the group will be able to organize and prioritize. Some ideas include getting feral cats spayed or neutered, networking with animal rescues for foster or permanent homes, and ensuring that there’s a certified, humane Animal Control Officer in Union City.
He also has some unique ideas for tackling the problem, such as a feral cat census and establishing a Food Bank for domestic animals, so that people hit hard by economic circumstances won’t have to choose between abandoning their pets and paying the bills.
Squire said that some of the programs they may want to undertake could cost money, which may be a challenge. No money has been allocated to the committee and they will be acting solely as advisors.
Regardless, Squire sees the committee as a chance to make a difference.
“We all have been given an opportunity by the Board of Commissioners and mayor to serve our community,” said Squire. “We see a need and try to fill it. It gives me great delight to know that all of us can bind ourselves together toward a unified, common purpose.”

Union City animal services

In addition to the committee, formed on Jan. 19, Union City officials have approved a new animal shelter service contract last month with Jersey Animal Coalition in South Orange.
“Jersey Animal Coalition was chosen because they were best suited for the needs of Union City,” said mayoral spokesman Mark Albiez.
He added that Stack is dedicated to addressing the issues of Union City’s animal constituents. “Mayor Stack continues to meet with organizations that represent the interest and welfare of the local animal population.”
In this recession, more and more pets are being abandoned, and it has fallen to the county’s many rescue groups to temporarily take in strays. Residents who are concerned about feral cats or other wild animals on their property or in their neighborhood can contact the mayor’s office at (201) 348-5755.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.