OCHD & NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REMIND YOU IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET VACCINATED AGAINST THE FLU
December 7, 2022
KEEP YOUR CHILDREN HEALTHY FOR THE HOLIDAYS BY WASHING AWAY THE GERMS!
December 13, 2022
On December 6, 2022, the Brick Police Department officially transferred ownership of more than 180 dogs and cats seized from an illegal kennel located in the township. The transfer will now open the way for the Ocean County Animal Facilities housing these pets to begin the standard process of preparing them for adoption to the public or rescue groups.
“We were very pleased to receive the transfer from Brick Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Scott Smith last evening,” said Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Officer/Health Officer. “Over the next several days our staff will continue to work tirelessly to prepare these cats and dogs for adoption.”
Gary Quinn, Ocean County Commissioner and liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health stated, “The animal facility and health department staff have done an outstanding job caring for the dogs and cats since they came in from the horrible conditions they were forced to live in. We would also like to acknowledge all the law enforcement and animal welfare officers that took part in the removal and transfer of these cats and dogs. It really takes a team effort to handle an overwhelming job of this magnitude.”
At the moment, there are close to 180 animals under the care of the Ocean County Animal Facilities. Many of the cats and dogs came in scared, shy, thirsty and hungry – but most off all, filthy. Most of these animals were forced to live in cages filled with their own feces, urine and other garbage. The odor was unimaginable and one of the first tasks was to clean and bath the dogs and cats.
Regenye continued, “It was an all-hands-on-deck situation and we are grateful to the OCHD staff that answered the call by stepping up and working on scheduled days off, planned vacation days and many hours of overtime. Employees from departments separate from the shelter also offered their assistance throughout the week working in a variety of different roles.”
The overwhelming kindness and generosity from residents making donations are pouring in ever since the news made the rounds via social and main stream media. The OCHD had to bring in trailers to each shelter to house all the donations. Everything from food, bedding, treats and monetary contributions are just some of donations coming in. Any resident looking to donate can visit www.ochd.org for a complete list of the shelter donation wish list.
Once the animals receive a cursory veterinarian exam and age appropriate vaccines, spayed/neutered, microchipped – then the pets can start to be made available for adoption at the Southern and Northern Ocean County Animal facilities. Barnegat will NOT handle adoptions.
The OCHD has implemented its Public Health Call Center in response to this animal hoarding case. Health educators are available 8am – 4:30pm at 732-341-9700, extension 7411.
