The Best Friends Animal Society bestowed Jersey City’s Animal Care and Control with a “no-kill shelter” recognition after saving over 90 percent of the dogs and cats in their care this year.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This national recognition is a testament to our team’s compassion and tireless work to protect and advocate for Jersey City’s most vulnerable animals,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“We are building a more humane, community-driven approach to animal welfare, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished together.”
Last year ACC formed a partnership with neighborhood cat rescue groups who care for community cats by feeding, sheltering and conducting Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) campaigns.
The Department of Health and Human Services gave grants totaling $90,000 to 19 rescue groups, offered free spay or neuter, and free check-ups and rabies vaccinations.
These efforts improve the health of Jersey City’s community cat population and limit the spread of feline diseases, which reduces preventable euthanasia for Jersey City’s cat community.
Launched by the Department of Health & Human Services in January 2024, the Division of Animal Care and Control brings people and animals together at city and park events and makes a concerted effort to get the word out about animals that need homes.
“In this short amount of time we’ve built a shelter that cares for the present and future of the animals that come to us,” added Health and Human Services Director Stacey Flanagan.
“We have been proactive in getting animals adopted into loving homes and saving the lives of every cat and dog that we can. We are honored that our work is recognized by Best Friends Animal Society.”
Through a series of successful adoption promotions fully spayed, neutered, and vaccinated dogs and cats can be adopted free of charge for veterans and seniors, and the division also holds frequent special pricing events for the public.
“People have a special bond and responsibility to these animals, and they all deserve to be given a chance. Achieving no-kill status means we are fulfilling our promise to both,” noted Division Director of Animal Care and Control William Byrnes.
“With a 92 percent live animal outcome rate in 2024 we are on track to maintain our life-saving trajectory for a second consecutive year.”
