The Middle Township Committee is expected to introduce an ordinance during its March 17
meeting that enables the township to create an Animal Welfare Advisory Board.
Once created, the board will be made up of township residents to promote and protect the health,
safety and welfare of animals in the township.
“The creation of an Animal Welfare Advisory Board in a diverse community like Middle Township
is simply the right thing to do,” said Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue.
“This board will help promote the well-being of domestic and companion animals through our community while providing essential information
to the Middle Township Department of Animal Control on various safety and quality of life issues.”
The board will be asked to promote responsible pet care throughout the township,
as well as ensuring that pets are not abused or neglected.
“The key word here is ‘advisory,’” Donohue said. “The board has no power to remove animals
or levy fines. Their role is to advise Animal Control and the Township Committee on issues
relative to its mission statement.”
Donohue said the advisory board will work to promote and expand the animal welfare programs
already in place, such as animal control, dog licensing, spay and neuter program.
The board will also review the township's current ordinance to address any deficiencies.
“An example would the failure of our ordinance to address protecting pets from hot
and cold temperature extremes,” Donohue said. “This will be one of the board's first priorities.”
This winter has seen colder temperatures than usual in Cape May County,
which has led some animal advocates to call for neighbors to call authorities
when pets are left out in extreme temperatures.
The ordinance is expected to establish a board consisting of the Middle Township Animal Control Officer,
a local veterinarian, a liaison from the Middle Township Police Department, a secretary, and seven voting members.
According to a press release from the township, several residents have expressed interest
in serving on the proposed board.
Middle Township has a dedicated Department of Animal Control. This winter, the department
is conducting a dog census throughout the township that is mandated by the state every two years.
For more information, contact Dawn Stimmel, Administrative Secretary at 609-465-8732 or dstimmel@middletownship.com.
