TOMS RIVER – A rally in support of Toms River’s Animal Shelter is planned for 1 to 3 pm Sunday, March 10, at the shelter at 235 Oak Ave.
Shelter supporters are concerned about Mayor Daniel Rodrick’s proposal to have Ocean County take over Toms River’s homeless animals. Rodrick insists the animal shelter will remain open, even if the county takes over operations.
The mayor argues the county could do a better job finding homes for stray animals, a point disputed by many animal welfare advocates, who fear more animals will be killed if shelters are filled with county
The county has not indicated whether it will keep the building open, or whether the stray cats and dogs will go to county-run shelters in Jackson and Stafford.
Rodrick’s administration has issued a request for proposals for animal control services, and the mayor has said he may look into privatizing animal control. Four Toms River animal control officers, who also care for stray dogs and cats at the shelter, will likely lose their jobs.
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Toms River is one of only four New Jersey towns with its own animal shelter. The Oak Avenue shelter, which replaced the one on Whitesville Road, opened in 2014.
Jean Mikle covers Toms River and several other Ocean County towns, and writes about issues related to Superstorm Sandy. He is also passionate about the Shore’s historic music scene. Contact him: @jeanmikle, [email protected].
This article originally appeared in the Asbury Park Press: Toms River Animal Shelter rally fights mayor’s push for county takeover
