The South Orange Board of Trustees Monday addressed residents’ concerns about the fate of stray animals in the Village with a proposal to photograph missing and homeless animals. In addition, the Trustees shared an update on the Walton Road facility, formerly the Jersey Animal Coalition.
Since the closing of the JAC, found animals in South Orange are taken to either the East Orange or Mine Hill shelter. Both shelters allow animals to stay for seven days before they are euthanized. South Orange’s Animal Control Officer has begun to photograph animals collected in South Orange, and once the Village’s new website launches, the ACO will post the photos.
In the meantime, noted trustee Howard Levison, residents are encouraged to post notices of either lost or found animals via South Orange Connect. “We’ll Facebook and tweet out the notice from there,” said Levison.
The Village also intends to make taking photos of animals part of the municipal licensing process.
Village Deputy Administrator Adam Loehner told the trustees that South Orange is in the “information-gathering phase” with regard to future plans for the Walton Road facility. “We hope to have a lot of options,” said Loehner.
Trustee Steve Schnall served as Acting Village President at the meeting, as Village President Sheena Collum was out of town. Likewise, Deborah Davis Ford was also absent.
