Helmetta Animal Shelter was closed in November 2014 for cruelty and neglect. SPCA raided the facility and seized animals that were sick and abused. Animals were bought from out of state for rescue for memnbers of the shelter to get funding and to kill them after. Animals were put down for no reason and others were found dead in their cages. Council is voting to reopen and start over new. New staff, and new director. The mayor is against reopening this facility. This shelter was once in evil hands, and animals paid the price.  Meanwhile the shelter is sitting there not utilized while township people are paying taxes on it.  Animals deserve a chance, and deserve to have a chance at adoption and able to be relclaimed by owners. The council is spening countless hours, and time trying so hard to regain the reopening of the shelter. They are being turned down for lame excuses.  There is many people who want to get involved and help make this place a temporary home for the animals in need. Please sign this to convince Nancy Martin to reopen this shelter, the animals need good people and people with understanding. Its for the animals and the welfare of them.. I'm asking the mayor to please re think her decision and want to help these cats and dogs in need, and look on the other side of the situation and want to help. Its ready to come back stronger and better then ever and if she can just see that and not be blindsided and have excuses things would be better for the township, the people of the community and the pets in need. The shelter is important to have open so animals have a safe haven until adopted, or can be reclaimed. There is always a need for a shelter, many have no space and many animals are put down to make space, this shelter has temporary space. Another shelter opened is more lives that can be saved.The township needs this and so does the residents. Why have locals travel a great distance to see if their animal is in another facility? Have one locally so that it's easier and more convenient on the township residents.