Multi-Town Animal Control Contract a 'Financial Success' For Twp.

will continue its animal services contract with local municipalities – Madison, Harding, Livingston, New Providence and Millburn – after spending less than $1,000 on the service last year.

When the interlocal animal services agreement was first presented to the committee in March 2011, Ciccarone had anticipated the total cost to the township to be making last year’s cost much lower than expected.

“It’s been a huge financial success for us,” he said during the township committee’s Aug. 16 meeting, adding that the township has only spent $500 so far this year.

The township after terminating its contract with , which administrator Tom Ciccarone said had cost the township nearly $30,000 per year.

Ciccarone said the inter-municipality agreement is ultimately more beneficial because the township has rarely encountered more than 20 animal-related calls over the past few years.

“We don’t see pets roaming around Chatham Township very frequently,” he said. “It just doesn’t happen. Pets are on leashes or in yards.”

Committee member Bailey Brower said he was concerned about pets who are picked up by the service being kept long enough so that they are not euthanized, referring to a New Jersey law stating animal control shelters must keep found animals for a minimum of seven days to give the owners a chance to claim them.

After those seven days, animals can be prepared for adoption or euthanized.

Ciccarone said it has not been an issue.

The township pursued its current agreement in 2011 after St. Hubert's board of directors decided to stop funding a municipal service and charge Chatham Township a fee based on the town's population rather than a per-call rate.