Post by RealPitBull on Apr 18, 2008 9:30:36 GMT -5
Hudson County SPCA shut down amid health violations
by Carly Baldwin Saturday April 12, 2008, 1:27 PM
After being repeatedly slammed with health violations, the Hudson County SPCA was shut down last night under order of a Hudson County Superior Court.
The animals that were housed there - 15 dogs, one ferret and 24 cats, including a mother cat with kittens - were moved to Liberty Humane Society at around 6 p.m. last night. By order of the court, the HCSPCA is not permitted to take any new animals.
To the dismay of local animal activists, conditions at the HCSPCA have steadily worsened over the past year. In March, officials from the state Department of Health and Human Services cited the shelter with 24 violations ranging from improper disposal of feces to missing records.
An inspection report noted that conditions at the Johnston Avenue shelter had declined from the state's last inspection in November, 2007, when officials discovered that some of the shelter's cats and dogs were going without water and housed in cages that were too small.
Hector Carbajales, intern president of the HCSPCA, says he wasn't given a fair inspection by the state or the city.
More on the animals after the jump!
The animals found themselves a new home this morning at Liberty Humane Shelter, said Vivian Kiggins, executive director of LHS.
Kiggins said that, just from looking at the cats and dogs, a mix of Dalmatians, terriers, German Shepherds and pit bulls, they did not appear sick or malnourished. However, she said all the animals need to be examined by a veterinarian.
"Right now our first concern is trying to make sure they're safe and happy," she said.
Liberty Humane is the contract shelter for Jersey City animals. The HSPCA was contracted with Union City and North Bergen to receive their strays.
This not a permanent closure; the shelter will be closed temporarily until May 19th, when the HCSPCA is due to appear in Hudson County Superior Court.
by Carly Baldwin Saturday April 12, 2008, 1:27 PM
After being repeatedly slammed with health violations, the Hudson County SPCA was shut down last night under order of a Hudson County Superior Court.
The animals that were housed there - 15 dogs, one ferret and 24 cats, including a mother cat with kittens - were moved to Liberty Humane Society at around 6 p.m. last night. By order of the court, the HCSPCA is not permitted to take any new animals.
To the dismay of local animal activists, conditions at the HCSPCA have steadily worsened over the past year. In March, officials from the state Department of Health and Human Services cited the shelter with 24 violations ranging from improper disposal of feces to missing records.
An inspection report noted that conditions at the Johnston Avenue shelter had declined from the state's last inspection in November, 2007, when officials discovered that some of the shelter's cats and dogs were going without water and housed in cages that were too small.
Hector Carbajales, intern president of the HCSPCA, says he wasn't given a fair inspection by the state or the city.
More on the animals after the jump!
The animals found themselves a new home this morning at Liberty Humane Shelter, said Vivian Kiggins, executive director of LHS.
Kiggins said that, just from looking at the cats and dogs, a mix of Dalmatians, terriers, German Shepherds and pit bulls, they did not appear sick or malnourished. However, she said all the animals need to be examined by a veterinarian.
"Right now our first concern is trying to make sure they're safe and happy," she said.
Liberty Humane is the contract shelter for Jersey City animals. The HSPCA was contracted with Union City and North Bergen to receive their strays.
This not a permanent closure; the shelter will be closed temporarily until May 19th, when the HCSPCA is due to appear in Hudson County Superior Court.
I look forward to learning much here