November 14, 2008

Dear Concerned Residents,

There has been a lot of speculation and misinformation circulating about PAWS and I'd like to try to explain a complex situation. One thing everyone should know is that this was a completely amicable parting of the ways after the organization decided that they could not operate the sanctuary in the way that they wanted.

PAWS has been a Montclair institution for decades. Its volunteers have provided a great service to animals and residents. Included in their ranks are Councilor Kathryn Weller, my son, and his friends, who have volunteered at the organization and had wonderful experiences helping serve our community and its less fortunate animals. People who volunteer at PAWS do so because it offers a great experience while filling an important need, that of creating a loving environment for animals who are as yet unadopted.

We on the Council would have loved to see PAWS continue to operate as a volunteer organization out of the Willow Street shelter and asked that they do so. Unfortunately, PAWS could not agree on a satisfactory arrangement and has decided to move on. The Township will now be operating an animal shelter at the same location and we will work to provide that same loving environment for animals.

We are animal lovers and most of us are animal owners as well. Our goal is to run a shelter that will operate to even higher standards. The veterinarians will be the same. The policy will be to shelter animals, get and keep them healthy, and adopt out any animal that is not a danger to itself or others.

We will only be able to accept animals from Montclair, Glen Ridge and Nutley, the towns that pay us for this service. Since every town in New Jersey is legally responsible for animal control, there is ALWAYS a facility to which an animal can be brought. If a person brings an animal to our shelter from another town, it will be the responsibility of that person to take it to the appropriate shelter.

As a result of this policy, the Montclair shelter will house much fewer animals. It seems irresponsible to have Montclair residents pay for services that other towns should provide. We will provide excellent care and hope to be an example for other municipalities.

We wish PAWS the very best for the future and welcome help from volunteers, grant writers, dog walkers and other animal lovers.

Jerry Fried