Gloucester County Animal Shelter Accused of Animal Cruelty in New Lawsuit

The owner of a cat that was among nearly 400 cats that were prematurely euthanized by the Gloucester County Animal Shelter has filed a federal lawsuit against the shelter, the Courier Post reports.

The lawsuit, filed by Stephanie Radlinger and Monmouth County SPCA Officer Stuart Goldman on Aug. 1, alleges the county, the animal shelter and animal control officers engaged in animal cruelty when they euthanized 312 cats, 71 dogs and one domestic rabbit before their legally required holding period expired.

Radlinger and Goldman claim the animal shelter held her cat, which was equipped with a microchip, for just a few hours before they put him to sleep, according to the report. The holding period required by law is at least seven days.

They also claim the animal shelter administered insufficient doses of euthanasia drugs, didn’t monitor the animals receiving the drugs, and disposed of animals before confirming they were dead.

The Department of Health initially uncovered these violations during an inspection of the shelter conducted last year, following a private complaint.

They also found numerous health violations, but County Spokeswoman Deb Selitto said at the time it would be unfair to characterize the animal shelter as “cruel.”