NEW, MORE EXPENSIVE TOWNSHIP ANIMAL CONTROL PROVIDER ANNOUNCED

For the second time this year the Township is changing its animal control provider.

This time they plan to drop a Newark firm that some animal rights advocates had opposed in favor of St. Hubert's of Madison, which is considered among the best in the state.

Health Officer Robert Roe informed the TC on Tuesday night during its Board of Health portion that when the current contract with Associated Humane Societies of Newark ends on July 31, St. Hubert's will take over animal control services for the Township

"They're probably the best animal control shelter site in New Jersey, their reputation is sterling," Roe said. "I was very impressed by what I saw at the location."

But that service comes at a hefty fee increase for taxpayers. While Associated charged $43,000 annually, St. Hubert's will bill the Township about $70,000, Roe said.

"The Township will just have to absorb the cost," Roe said, adding that a contract with the agency will be considered at the next TC meeting on July 21.

TC members welcomed the switch, noting St. Hubert's reputation for quality and careful treatment of animals.

"From everything we've seen in the negotiations, it looks like a good move," said TC member Jerry Ryan.

The animal control services first became an issue in January when the Township voted to eliminate the animal control officer position that had been held by longtime officer Debbie Hadu in an effort to save costs. Her salary had been $38,000, in addition to other employee benefits and fees.