The West New York Board of Commissioners approved an animal shelter services contract with Cliffside Park’s Bergen County Protect and Rescue during Wednesday’s meeting.
By Michael Rodriguez/Hudson County View
The contract, which was approved unanimously (4-0, Mayor Felix Roque was absent), on the heels of two recent animal cruelty cases seen in North Bergen and West New York – with BCPR provided aid in both situations.
The Juan Perez, 58, of North Bergen is facing up to 79 criminal charges and $237,000 in fines. Perez was hoarding 50 dogs in his home, leading to one canine death, as well as three kittens being removed from the home.
After further investigation of the home, 11 deceased felines were accounted for as well. Perez has not been located by authorities at the time, but warrants for his arrest have been issued.
The animal cruelty charges based out of West New York took place in December when Eugene Pecorelli, 76, was found living in deplorable conditions with 18 cats.
Officials were able to rescue the 18 cats from the residence, but unfortunately, one cat was found dead. After the investigation, the West New York building department deemed the house uninhabitable.
Bergen County Protect and Rescue could not immediately be reached regarding the particulars of the contract.
The commissioners did not discuss the matter prior to the vote and no members of the public questioned it.
