Animal Control Officer Stays After Privatization Backlash In Stafford

STAFFORD, NJ — Following controversy and backlash regarding Stafford's Animal Control Department, Mayor Greg Myhre hosted Animal Control Officer Kelly Karch on a Mayor's Briefing to explain what the department does.

The controversy stems from two officers quitting the department, leading the Township Council to temporarily privatize animal control by hiring A-Academy of South Jersey. Read More: Temporary Privatization Of Stafford Animal Control Sparks Controversy

Karch was one of the officers who had quit, but now will serve as the lead animal control officer for Stafford, Myhre said.

Karch explained some of what the department does and how A-Academy will work throughout the end of the year. Stafford Animal Control takes care of domestic calls, wildlife calls and rabies, along with the occasional black bear or even bull. The bull, for those worried, was taken to a sanctuary about two hours north, Karch said.

Animal Control works with Stafford Vet and Jersey Shore Vet for animals with problems that can be immediately fixed. Those needing long-term care can head to a number of nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation centers that the township works with, Karch said.

While the agreement with A-Academy drew plenty of controversy at the recent Council meeting, Karch said that she met with their full-time animal control officer, working with him, and she said "he's been doing a great job."

Myhre and Karch also shared how to become a working animal control officer. Those interested must obtain state certification in animal control and a humane law enforcement officer certification.

Stafford is currently hiring in the Animal Control Department and Myhre encouraged anyone interested to apply.