This is a test...
Q: How do I determine who is my State Senator and Assembly representative and how do I find their contact information?
A: To find your state officials, go to: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp click on your town. When the page comes up, click on the District and your State legislator's information will appear.
To find committee members, go to here for senate members: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/committees/senate.asp
or here for assembly members: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/committees/assembly.asp
To find your U.S. Senate or Congressional member, go to: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=lobby_lookup, and enter your zip code, then hit go.
Back to Top
Q: I believe I've witnessed animal cruelty or neglect. What can I do?
A: If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place, report it first to your local or state SPCA. Call State SPCA and County District SPCA (if your county has one) and report abuse. If you get no response, bear in mind NJ law allows private citizens to file cruelty complaints with the courts themselves. If you decide to pursue the case yourself, call the police and County prosecutor and work with them. County prosecutors may sometimes take on cases without the SPCA's involvement if private citizens gather the evidence themselves. Some municipalities allow their Animal Control Officers (ACO's) to perform this function as well. Police, community animal shelters and ACO's are listed in the Animal Welfare Federation Resource Guide. It is important to document problems before taking action. Write times, places and specific problems down. Photographic evidence (video or still) can be very helpful in prosecution of these crimes. Be specific and reasonable. If you need access to private property, be sure to get permission from the landowner first, or else you could be charged with trespassing and the evidence could be thrown out of court. You should also be aware that confiscating a pet without cause could leave you open criminal charges of pet theft. To get a copy of New Jersey's animal cruelty statutes, click here
Back to Top
Q: I found a baby bird, squirrel, raccoon, injured duck or other wildlife. What should I do and who should I call.
A: Handling wildlife can be harmful to the animal and possibly the person handling it. Generally, unless it is known that the mother has been killed or injured, it is best to leave "abandoned" immature wildlife where found - the parent will do its best to care for it. Baby birds can be placed in a shrub to help protect it from predators, but the adult(s) will protect and feed it. It is a myth that once handled the human scent will keep the parent away, songbirds do not have a sense of smell! Stay within eyesight if you can, but not too close as the parents may not approach if you are around.New Jersey has strict laws governing the possession of wild animals and licenses those qualified to possess and/or provide rehabilitation to injured or orphaned wildlife. For a list of licensed rehabilitators go to this link: http://www.njfishandwildlife.org/pdf/2004/rehabspec04.pdfYour local Animal Control Officer can also contact the wildlife rehabilitator as well. Remember, they are very busy so please be patient.
Back to Top
Q: I have a dog/cat which I can't keep. Can you give me a referral to a good shelter or rescue?
A: Your best recourse is to re-home your pet yourself. Ask everyone you know and ask them to ask everyone they know. Family, friends, business associates (do you have a bulletin board at work), place of worship, school, local pet store or supply house, veterinarians. Be sure your animal is up-to-date on its shots (including rabies) and that it is spayed/neutered.Petfinder.com is a national, searchable database of homeless animals. The Petfinder website has a 'post-a-pet' section (click "classifieds") where you can list the pets for whom you wish to find homes. They also have a section with useful tips on how to find new home in their library (http://www.petfinder.org/post/classifiedhop.html). Look in Petfinder's "Pets Wanted" section (click "classifieds") for someone seeking a pet like yoursYou can contact your local humane organizations for their assistance. Even if they cannot shelter your pet(s), many of them will help you by placing a poster in their local, allowing you to come to off-site adoption days, or putting your pet on their website. Go to the NJ Animal Welfare Resources Guide for a shelter or rescue organization near you.Warning: Be aware, there are unscrupulous individuals who will take your pet (often for a fee) and use them for less than humane reasons. Check references (including a vet) for anyone to whom you surrender your pets. If you do surrender your pets, please look over the shelter or sanctuary so that you can feel comfortable with housing arrangements and their adoption screening and policies.
Back to Top
Q: I'd like to adopt a dog/cat. Can you give me a referral to a good shelter or rescue?
A: Petfinder.com is a national, searchable database of homeless animals. On Petfinder's home page you can enter the type of pet you are seeking and then your zip code. A list of pets meeting your criteria will come up. Or, click on "shelter search." Also, visit Petfinder's "Post-a-Pet" section (under classifieds) to make contact with individuals seeking to find homes for their own pet.Go to the NJ Animal Welfare Resources Directory on this page to find an organization in your area.Additionally, you can look in the yellow pages under "Animal Shelter," "Humane Society" or "SPCA."Remember, each organization has its own policies. If you are turned away at one group, try another. You will be saving a life!
Back to Top
Q: I'm feeding a feral cat colony in which I practice TNR, but my health department is giving me a hard time. What can I do?
A: Whenever you are dealing with a local municipality, keep in mind they represent a larger constituency to whom they must report. It is best to address their specific concerns. For instance, if they are worried about rabies, you can show them your shot records. If their concern is the food you are leaving may attract vermin, show them that you pick up the food each day. Show them your spay/neuter records. If you need financial help, solicit their assistance in a collaborative effort to provide covered sand 'litter boxes' that you clean everyday to eliminate complaints from nearby homes or businesses. Present them with the facts about TNR and how it is the only solution to the problem (not just a humane one).Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) has excellent information on TNR programs, how to talk to anyone about TNR, etc. Visit their site before you engage your local health department in a dialogue on this sensitive topic.Get important people interested in your mission.Keep your discussions with the municipal authorities on a conversational level. Remember, you get more flies with honey than vinegar!
Back to Top
Q: I'm feeding feral cats and I need assistance with trapping or finding low-cost spay/neuter. Can you give me a referral?
A: There are a number of national programs that you can contact for low-cost spay/neuter assistance:SPAY USA, 1-800-248-SPAY or www.spayusa.org Friends of Animals 1-800-321-PETS or www.friendsofanimals.orgContact Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) for information on feral cat care.Ask your local veterinarian to work with you. If s/he understands that these cats would not otherwise have care, they may be willing to give you a discount.Contact you local shelter (Go to the NJ Animal Welfare Resources Directory on this page to see if they have any resources available.)
Back to Top
Q: The animal shelter, pet shop or kennel in my town is operating in an inhumane or unsanitary manner. What can I do?
A: If the facility in question is an animal shelter, keep in mind that many animal shelters are operating on shoestring budgets, with limited staff overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Volunteering is a good way to help to improve the quality of life for the animals in shelters. Many shelters welcome the opportunity for volunteer assistance with fundraising, cleaning, and animal care. Talk to the shelter staff and find out what they need to improve their operation, and see if you lend some assistance.If the facility is a pet shop or kennel, talk to the manager and express your concerns (bring a copy of the NJ regulations). If the manager does not address your concerns, you can register a complaint with your local board of health and animal control officer. The Resource Center of our website contains the shelter/kennel regulations. You can search for your township Board of Health and Animal Control Officer in the Animal Welfare Services Directory.
Back to Top
Q: Where can I find an animal friendly lawyer?
A: Contact NJ Lawyers in Defense of Animals, by calling the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance at (732) 446-6808, or via email njara@superlink.net. Contact the Animal Legal Defense Fund. http://www.aldf.org 127 Fourth Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 Phone (707) 769-7771; Fax (707) 769-0785 E-Mail info@aldf.org Your personal, or business, attorney may be willing to assist you on a pro bono basis as well.
Back to Top
Q: Where can I find homeowner insurance for families with pets?
A: The ASPCA has assembled a list of companies that insure homeowners with pets. While each carrier has their own regulations, the list is a good starting point. Click here for the list. (Updates will be made as they are uncovered.)
Back to Top
Q: This is a test...
A: Had this been a real FAQ...
Back to Top
