By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
The Township Council has introduced an ordinance that expands the duties of the animal control officer to include investigating complaints of animal cruelty.
The ordinance, which was introduced at the council’s Jan. 6 meeting, creates the position of animal cruelty investigator. There is no salary associated with the new position, Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun said.
A public hearing on the ordinance is set for the council’s Jan. 20 meeting.
The animal cruelty investigator would enforce all laws or ordinances to protect animals, “including, but not limited to, animal control, animal welfare and animal cruelty laws” of New Jersey and Lawrence Township.
The animal cruelty investigator would be able to investigate and sign complaints concerning any violations of state law or municipal ordinances. The investigator also would be able to arrest offenders, according to the ordinance.
Mr. Krawczun said that previously, most calls about allegations of animal cruelty were handled by the Lawrence Township Police Department and not the animal control officer, who reports to the Lawrence Township Health Department.
“In response to a resident’s concern, it was brought to our attention,” Mr. Krawczun said. “It’s a matter of clarification to expand the authority (of the animal control officer).”

