A group of 20 to 25 local animal volunteers gathered at Town Hall Tuesday to meet local veterinarian Holly Hanson, who was recently hired to serve as the manager for the Secaucus Animal Shelter. Hanson was brought in as the shelter manager to deal with issues related to policy and procedure in addition to administering medical care to the cats and dogs. Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli and Councilwoman Susan Pirro presided over the meeting to introduce Hanson and to listen to volunteer concerns.
A new point person
“I hope everyone understands that when she makes a decision it is the final decision,” said Gonnelli. “Having a professional make that decision for us is the way we will go. We’ve run into different personalities and different conflicts about decisions when it comes to the animals.”
Volunteers often directed shelter concerns and questions to the mayor and to Pirro, who is the volunteer coordinator and animal shelter liaison on the council. Hanson will now field volunteer concerns and step in to set clear policy and procedure to clear up any dispute or disagreement in regard to management practices.
“We have to work together as a group for the love of the animals.” – Holly Hanson
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“I really don’t want to go backwards, I want to move forward,” said Gonnelli. “I know everyone’s intention is in the best interest of the animals.”
Committed to shelter medicine
“She is going to be an enormous asset to us,” said Pirro. “Her expertise is going to be invaluable.”
A lifelong resident of Secaucus, Hanson, 42, graduated from Tufts University in 2005 with a degree in veterinary medicine. She has worked at a number of animal shelters and is currently employed full-time at the Secaucus Animal Hospital.
“I always said that when I became a vet I would give back to the community and do shelter medicine. It is what I do for the love of animals,” said Hanson. She volunteers every Sunday at Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City and said that she is taking a small stipend for her work with the Secaucus Animal Shelter.
Administering medical care on-site
By having a veterinarian on-site that can handle routine and basic medical issues the town reduces the need to send animals to the animal hospital, which costs money.
After the meeting, Hanson said she will address medical concerns and ensure that the animals in the shelter are healthy in addition to training staff, and instituting policies and procedures.
“There is no one there dictating how things should be done,” said Hanson. There is no schedule. There are no policies.” Hanson will provide oversight and direction and said that overall she wants to get animals adopted. She will be on site at least once a week for a few hours if not more and is also on call to handle cases if, for example, an animal gets hit by a car.
The shelter has three full-time staff and two part-time staff. Kevin Kessler previously coordinated shelter operations and was reassigned to the Department of Public Works, but will be on call as an animal control officer.
Hanson planned to meet staff last week and said she will appoint an on-site manager to the shelter.
Enthusiastic volunteers
“We have a very enthusiastic group of volunteers,” said Pirro. The group formed in 2010.
“We are all behind you,” said Volunteer Connie O’Connell during the meeting. “We are all going to work together for the good of the animals.”
“I think it is a very good move,” said Volunteer Chris Conti in regard to Hanson coming on board. Conti has helped foster and find homes for shelter animals. She suggested during the meeting that the volunteers sign-up for different committees to handle advertising, the Front Street satellite site, and adoption.
“We put our hard energy into this and we end up bumping heads with each other,” said Conti.
“We need awareness to help reduce the animal population,” said Conti. A number of ideas were suggested during the volunteer meeting, such as updating the web site, creating a video for the closed circuit channel 36, and advertising in neighboring town newspapers.
“I think it is absolutely wonderful. I like Holly I think she is a great doctor. I think it will solve all the problems having a professional there,” said Peggy Gallagher.
“Everybody wants the best for the animals,” said Hanson. “We have to work together as a group for the love of the animals.”
The Secaucus Animal Shelter is located at 525 Meadowlands Parkway. For more info or to adopt a pet, call: (201) 348-3213.
Adriana Rambay Fernández may be reached at afernandez@hudsonreporter.com.