Unless rescinded as of 1/1/2015 any stray animal in Maplewood, NJ will be collected by Associated Humane Society (AHS) of Newark.  Your pet will be sheltered for seven days.  If the owners do not claim the pet during that time, the shelter has the power to adopt or euthanize your animal. If your pet is LICENSED a certified letter will be sent to your home and you will have an additional ten days to collect your animal. Thereafter the pet belogs to AHS/Nwk.

NJ Animal Observer reports that AHS/Newark kills 38% of dogs and 57% of cats.  The figures are compiled from shelter self-reported data to the NJ Dept. of Health, as required by NJ law.  

AHS has also been cited by the NJ Dept. of Health in 2003 and 2011 as having multiple cases of inhumane caregiving. No confirmed reports are available that indicate whether or not the infractions have been addressed. 

But we have had a very dedicated and capable animal control officer (ACO) in Debra Hadu.  Ms. Hadu lives within our community, and she responds quickly and compassionately to domestic and wildlife animal needs.  Ms. Hadu is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, and according to the annual report to the NJ Fish and Wildlife Division, she worked with 115 small mammals from Maplewood in 2014.  Ms. Hadu not only saved the lives of many orphaned babies, but she saved the taxpayer nearly $10,000 in fees to veterinary costs for euthanasia services. Replacing her with a kill shelter is contrary to the values of most residents.

Our community takes pride in our kindness.  Only a few months ago the Township Committee established an ordinance to manage a feral cat colony in the center of Maplewood.  We urge you to please find a caring solution to our animal control and shelter needs. 

Thank you. 

Maplewood Loves Animals Coalition

(Updated to reflect more accurate information)