Help with the Overabundance of Dogs and Cats Needing Shelter and Supplies in Ocean County
December 8, 2022Small Acts of Kindness Don’t Go Unnoticed in Toms River
December 8, 2022
According to the Ocean County Health Department, more than 180 dogs and cats were taken from an unlawful kennel in the township, and the Brick Police Department officially transferred ownership of the animals on December 6, 2022. The transfer now allows the Ocean County Animal Facilities housing these animals to start the customary procedure of getting them ready for adoption to the general public or rescue organizations.
Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Officer/Health Officer, stated, "We were very glad to get the transfer from Brick Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Scott Smith. Our crew will be working hard over the coming days to get these cats and dogs ready for adoption.
"The animal facility and health department personnel have done a fantastic job caring for the dogs and cats since they came in from the terrible conditions they were forced to live in," said Gary Quinn, Ocean County Commissioner and liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. We also want to thank the animal welfare and law enforcement personnel who helped remove and relocate these cats and dogs. It truly requires a team.
The Ocean County Animal Facilities are now providing care for about 180 animals. Many of the dogs and cats arrived afraid, timid, thirsty, and hungry, but most of all, they were filthy. The majority of these creatures were made to dwell in cages that were filled with garbage and also their own urine and feces. One of the first jobs was to scrub and bathe the dogs and cats because the smell was unimaginable.
The overwhelming kindness and generosity from residents making donations are pouring in ever since the news made the rounds via social and main stream media. The OCHD had to bring in trailers to each shelter to house all the donations. Everything from food, bedding, treats and monetary contributions are just some of donations coming in. Any resident looking to donate can visit www.ochd.org for a complete list of the shelter donation wish list.
Once the animals receive a cursory veterinarian exam and age appropriate vaccines, spayed/neutered, microchipped – then the pets can start to be made available for adoption at the
Southern and Northern Ocean County Animal facilities. Barnegat will NOT handle adoptions.
The OCHD has implemented its Public Health Call Center in response to this animal hoarding case. Health educators are available 8am – 4:30pm at
732-341-9700, extension 7411.
