TOMS RIVER, NJ – Responding to multiple false reports in the local media, Mayor Daniel Rodrick announced to News 12 New Jersey that the shelter is not closing and there were never any plans to close it. Rodrick said those rumors were spread by his opponents and amplified by fake news reports in the local media.
“The animal shelter is not closing,” he said frankly to News 12 reporter Jim Murdoch.
Contrary to intentional circulation rumors, the mayor’s first visit to the shelter has sparked a series of proposed changes aimed at improving the adoption process and ensuring the welfare of the animals housed there. Rodrick was disappointed with what he saw. Those rumors are being spread on Facebook by staunch supporters of disgraced former Mayor Maurice Hill.
“After I took office, I went over there and knocked on the front door,” he said. “They wouldn’t let me in and said I have to make an appointment. Then they realized who I was and they let me in. I was appalled to learn the shelter was full and we were not making it easy to adopt a pet,” Rodrick said. Rodrick said he met with staff and said he wants them to find homes for all the animals and wants to stop taking any new animals until he’s sure they will be in a place where people can easily adopt them.”
This week, the shelter announced it is complying with Rodrick’s directive to allow walk-in adoptions. Rodrick had previously halted adoption fees.
“Appointments are no longer needed to view the pets here at the shelter. You can stop by any time between 1 pm-4 pm to see the wonderful pets we have available here at the shelter,” the animal shelter posted on its Facebook page this week. “When you get here, the doors should be unlocked. If the door is locked, don’t panic!!! Call the number on the door.”
To extend hours, the council needs to approve the mayor’s request in a vote. It is expected to pass, but Councilmen James Quinlisk and David Ciccozi are expected to vote no, as they have voted no on nearly every Rodrick team-sponsored resolution and ordinance introduced by the council since January 1st.
Rodrick told News 12 that the staff reportedly balked at his request and did not want to open extended hours. Rodrick added, that until there is space and we can make it easier to adopt, send the dogs and cats to Ocean County Animal Shelter.
He reaffirmed that the shelter is not closing, but changes could come if the situation at the shelter doesn’t change.
“The Toms River shelter is a beautiful and new building, it is not closing but we’re not in the business of keeping cats and dogs in cages. We’re in the business of finding good homes for every animal. No animal deserves to live months and years in a cage. It’s inhumane, He said. “Look. I’m not going to run a dog prison. There have been complaints about the shelter for years. If we can’t do it right, then I would say let’s let the county run it. They have two shelters. They’re good at what they do. They have the staff and infrastructure to run it properly.”
Rodrick approved the hiring of a new kennel aide to enhance the care the animals inside the facility receive daily.
To learn more, adopt a pet, or to see what’s going on at the shelter, visit their Facebook page.