Having welcomed several stray animals that appeared at my doorstep, and assisting others in similar situations, I've witnessed firsthand the pressing need for changes in Camden County’s approach to animal control. Our community is vibrant and caring, but currently, the resources and systems in place for handling stray animals are inadequate, leaving both animals and residents distressed.

The current structure of animal control does not efficiently protect stray and lost animals or facilitate their safe return to owners or adoption into new homes. We propose significant reforms to bring about meaningful change. By placing animal control under the supervision of the Camden County Sheriff's Department, we can enhance accountability, oversight, and efficiency. This integration will allow law enforcement to work directly with community members and experts in animal welfare, creating a more robust and responsive system.

Moreover, establishing a facility dedicated to housing stray dogs and cats can provide a safe haven for these animals. This facility would shelter them from threats such as traffic and wildlife until their owners are located, or they are adopted or rescued. Additionally, initiating a prisoner training program, where inmates can engage in caring for these animals, presents dual benefits: it offers rehabilitation and skill-building for prisoners, and provides much-needed care and companionship for animals.

This progressive approach is not just about building a facility; it's about building opportunities: opportunities for a safer community, for rehabilitation and reform in our prison system, and for a humane and sustainable solution to controlling the stray animal population.

Under the coordinated efforts of the Sheriff’s Department, trained volunteers, and animal welfare organizations, followers of this petition can ensure Camden County becomes a model of compassion and practicality in animal control. Join us in making this vision a reality. Please sign this petition to encourage our local government to take action.