Gimmie (Animal) Shelter: Montclair Community Responds To MTAS Blaze

Montclair, NJ – As the Montclair Animal Shelter continues its recovery efforts following a devastating fire last week, two things are becoming clear.

First, it will take a while to get back to normal at the municipally run shelter.

Second, the Montclair community cares about its animals.

• See related article: Montclair Animal Shelter Fire Devastates: Recovery Efforts Launched

The blaze – which started in the rear of the facility - ripped through the shelter, causing heavy fire damage to the kennel area, extensive heat and smoke damage to the outside rear of the structure, and moderate smoke and water damage to the interior, according to Montclair fire officials.

The conflagration also rendered all the shelter’s 30 dogs and 41 cats homeless but luckily caused no major injuries to animals or humans, officials stated.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Montclair fire officials told Patch.

• See related article: Montclair Shelter Engulfed In Fire, Animals Safe

In the wake of the fire, the shelter was forced to shutter its doors due to the damage, town officials stated.

While power is now back in the building, day-to-day operations have been parceled out to other township and local agencies.

Town officials are asking residents with stray or injured animals to call (973) 744-8600 weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Outside of these hours, residents should call the Montclair Police Department at (973) 744-1234.

Until further notice, new surrenders are not being accepted at the shelter, town officials stated on April 5.

According to town officials, phone calls to the shelter are being forwarded to the Health Department; a staff member or volunteer will be stationed at the department from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Volunteers are working out of that office until further notice, town officials stated.

The shelter – which contract to provide animal control services to Nutley and Verona – will continue to assist those municipalities as needed, town officials stated following the fire.

A COMMUNITY CARES

“In the midst of tragedy, Montclair had one of its finest hours,” Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson said. “The execution, resolve, and reassuring demeanor of township staff - Animal Shelter, Fire, Police, Community Services, Montclair Volunteer Ambulance Unit - were exemplary. The MTAS volunteers once again demonstrated their commitment to the shelter and the animals by rescuing and ensuring high quality, short-term care for every animal.”

“I know that I'm preaching to the choir, but Montclair is truly an extraordinary place,” Jackson added.

Several local Good Samaritans helped to rescue animals at risk to their own safety, shelter staff reported.

Following the fire, Bloomingdale and Clifton animal shelters, the Homeless Animal Adoption League, Cameron Animal Hospital and area residents assisted the MTAS by housing animals, township officials stated.

In addition, local businesses Mike’s Feed Farm and Petco donated supplies for shelter pets, and the Red Eye Café and Mundo Vegan helped keep volunteers and responders warm in the blustery weather with hot coffee and soup.

The Friends of the Montclair Animal Shelter, a non-profit organization set up in 2012 to address some of the most urgent needs the community’s homeless animals, has organized a campaign to raise funds to help rebuild the facility and to assist with emergency medical care for animals.

As of April 11, the effort has raised $42,430.

See the online campaign here.

Scores of other local businesses and groups also pulled together in the wake of the fire to offer help.

• Several Montclairities that were fostering animals or undecided about adoptions decided to welcome an animal to their homes on a permanent basis, shelter staff reported.
• The New York Giants donated a Victor Cruz signed football.
• The Wellmont Theater announced that it will be donating $1 to the shelter from every ticket sold at two concerts: The Cult on April 9 and Ghost on April 13.
• Cameron Animal Hospital and Animal Emergency & Referral Associates and Animal Eye Center of NJ provided emergency medical care to animals.
• The Montclair Ambulance Unit provided temporary office space for shelter staff.
• The Orange Glen High School Animal Rights Club donated a $200 Petsmart gift card.
• The owner of the Montclair Bread Company will donate all sales from a special “The Simpsons” doughnut.
• Bark 'N Roll Groomours Dog Parlor donated new collars, leashes, harnesses, toys and grooming products.
• A Kearny Daisy and Brownie troop raised $70 for the shelter through cookie sales.

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Photos by the Montclair Animal Shelter via Facebook