To the Editor:
Due to public outcry over animal welfare concerns, companies such as Ringling Brothers and Sea World have agreed to gradually phase out the use of elephants and orcas, respectively, in their shows. They seem to recognize the public’s changing attitude toward animals featured as entertainment. Whether their willingness to change comes from a loss of profits or scientific enlightenment, the animals still benefit, and this is progress.
If only progress addressing animal welfare concerns could be made in Bayonne as well. The Bayonne City Council welcomed the Garden Brothers Circus to town this weekend. Many cities around the country no longer welcome circuses with performing animals, especially elephants, but Bayonne takes no such stance. This comes on the heels of the council’s decision in fall 2015 to cancel the animal sheltering and control contract with Liberty Humane Society of Jersey City, which was building a solid relationship with the community of Bayonne.
Despite the pleadings of concerned citizens, Bayonne moved forward to grant the contract to Geoffrey Santini, who has often pointed to the fact that the shelter he uses, Bergen County Protect and Rescue, is a no-kill facility. This is questionable when one considers the fact that Bergen County Protect and Rescue only has the capacity for roughly 40-45 cats and 40 dogs. While Liberty Humane Society had the Bayonne contract, they took in roughly 440 animals from the city of Bayonne. How would Mr. Santini be able to accommodate a no-kill philosophy when he serves more than one community? This sounds like a recipe for an overcrowded shelter. Imagine the poor welfare issues that could arise if staffing and capacity are insufficient for the no-kill goal.
Liberty Humane Society provided numerous services to Bayonne residents during their contract. Through their Pet Owner Assistance Program, they helped low-income families hold on to their animals, provided low-cost vet care through their weekly wellness clinic, held adoption events for cats and dogs at Bayonne Barks at 16th street park, and gave school presentations on humane education, which fulfills goals of New Jersey humane education laws.
Hopefully, the Bayonne City Council will heed the public’s concern and return the contract to Liberty Humane Society so that they can properly remedy local animal welfare issues.
DENISE A. SCHOLZ