Councilwoman Sapana Shah raised concerns about the township’s animal shelter at the Nov. 23 Edison Township Council meeting.
There have been two animal health-related incidents at the shelter this fall. In October, the shelter was temporarily shut down after an inspection determined that 13 dogs and 31 cats needed to be quarantined due to a ringworm outbreak.
Then on Nov. 17, the township released a statement announcing that it had quarantined 14 cats and kittens that had been brought to the facility from the Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton. Those animals were diagnosed with upper respiratory infections and had symptoms including sniffling, sneezing and runny noses. The second incident did not require a shutdown.
Shah directed her concerns about the facility to Business Administrator Maureen Ruane. First she inquired about whether the ringworm incident had been resolved.
Those animals are still undergoing treatment, Ruane said, explaining, “It’s a multiweek, multi-month course of treatment, but they’re all being treated.”
But Shah was looking for information about whether there were larger issues at play, asking if the health problems were related to a recent reorganization of the operation. “Are you guys going through some growing pains?” she asked.
Ruane confirmed that the shelter was under completely different leadership. “We’re working through those kinks on that,” she said. She also emphasized that the shelter has been vastly improved over its condition last year.
“The animal shelter is in 100 percent better shape than it was about a year ago at this time,” Ruane said. “All concerns have been addressed. It’s cleaner than it’s been.”
Ruane also said the township is currently working on getting bids for upgrading the cages at the shelter, which is located in the township’s municipal complex.
In addition to Edison, the shelter provides services for Metuchen, Piscataway, Dunellen and Scotch Plains. Shah asked about taking on additional towns. “And I don’t know if that’s been causing a little bit of an overload. I hope not.” “I don’t think so. No extra towns have we taken on,” Ruane responded. “No, I don’t see that being the issue.”
Shah said she felt bad for the animals with health issues. “It’s upsetting sometimes to see that,” she said.
As of Nov. 30, seven of the 14 cats and kittens quarantined for upper respiratory infections had been cleared for adoption. According to the township, no additional cats or kittens will be taken in until those already in the shelter are veterinarian-approved for adoption.