NJSPCA: No Animal Cruelty Charges For Essex County Shelter

While the East Orange Animal Shelter has numerous, ongoing Department of Health violations and is in need of “many changes,” there will be no animal cruelty charges for now, the NJSPCA stated on Wednesday.

After receiving a complaint on July 20 concerning two cats in the municipally run shelter’s care, the agency conducted an investigation at the facility the next day.

“Our investigation did not find any probable cause for animal cruelty under Title 4 law,” NJ SPCA President Rick Yocum stated. “Our goal in shelter cases is to gain compliance and not to close shelters which are needed. The facts in this case did not support the claims of animal cruelty so our case is closed.”

However, Yocum added that the shelter has faced numerous, ongoing Department of Health violations which need to be addressed.

“This shelter is in need of many changes and updates, and hopefully the town of East Orange is understanding and will cooperate,” Yocum stated.

“The health code violations are numerous and need to be addressed… The humans who are trying to get this shelter to improve are doing a great job. While we understand the frustration in cases like this we are working under very strict parameters.”

ALLEGED ANIMAL CRUELTY

For months, local animal welfare activists have been alleging “cruel” conditions at the municipally run facility that include animals lying in their own feces and overall neglect.

A Change.org petition that has garnered more than 4,100 signatures states:

“We are extremely concerned with the treatment of animals in East Orange, particularly in the East Orange Animal Shelter… Cats and dogs are being euthanized without medical or behavioral evaluation, and without the chance of adoption… We are not demanding any extraordinary changes… We require that the city follow the law and adopt simple established humane animal control practices.”

A local group of animal activists called Friends of the East Orange Animals is alleging that the shelter has failed every Department of Health inspection since 2010.

“Animals with broken bones, skin infections, expired vaccines and meds, no potable water, ACOs euthanizing without a veterinarian present and a veterinarian not administering proper amount to euthanize… None of this is considered animal cruelty?” the group wrote on its Facebook page following the NJSPCA’s announcement on Wednesday.

After NJ News 12 launched an investigation into the alleged conditions at the shelter, the acting veterinarian announced his resignation.

East Orange city spokesperson Connie Jackson told TAP Into that the municipality is “aggressively addressing” the overall management, maintenance, and staffing of the East Orange Animal Shelter.

“The welfare and well-being of the animals is a top priority, and in light of the recent inspection report which revealed repeated deficiencies, Mayor [Lester] Taylor has demanded that corrective action be taken immediately,” Jackson said.

Photo courtesy of Friends of the East Orange Animals via Facebook

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