Newark Switches Animal Shelters: Goodbye AHS, Hello St. Hubert’s

NEWARK, NJ — The City of Newark will officially sever its long-standing contract with the Associated Humane Society (AHS) beginning Thursday, Nov. 8, officials announced.

The city will “immediately” begin its new partnership with AHS’ replacement, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, to provide interim sheltering for animals taken in by Newark’s animal control team, officials said Wednesday.

“St. Hubert’s will provide shelter and medical care for dogs, cats, small animals, and injured wildlife while Newark finalizes a long-term plan for animal sheltering services,” Newark city officials said.

City officials added:

“Newark’s animal control officers will continue normal operations, responding to calls for help with lost and/or injured pets both day and night. The animals that are rescued in Newark will be transported to St. Hubert’s Madison campus for sheltering and other services. Residents who need to reach Newark Animal Control should continue to call 973-733-4311 during regular business hours. Residents with inquiries about surrendering a pet, locating a lost pet or help with other pet needs can call St. Hubert’s for assistance from the pet retention team at 973-377-2295.”

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Becky Burton, vice president of Direct Animal Care and Lifesaving Partnerships at St. Hubert’s, said that the organization is “ready to care for the animals of the City of Newark.”

St. Hubert’s President and CEO Heather Cammisa said that in addition to the traditional sheltering accommodations for lost pets, St. Hubert’s will extend its community outreach programs into Newark.

“St. Hubert’s will assist Newark residents with its hands-up approach to addressing pet care needs across the city via its vaccinations, sterilization of free-roaming community cats and other various resources,” Cammisa said.

On Wednesday, Mayor Ras Baraka thanked New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and their senior management teams, as well as the executives of St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, for “coming to the aid of Newark to ensure uninterrupted quality animal control services.”

The initial partnership with St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center provides immediate coverage for Newark’s animal sheltering needs through the end of 2018, city officials said.

The next phase of supportive coverage is being finalized with Liberty Humane Society of Jersey City, whose Executive Director Irene Borngraeber has “graciously offered to coordinate the implementation of temporary animal sheltering support” while Newark continues to explore the development of its own animal shelter facility, officials said.

“The City of Newark looks forward to starting a new chapter of animal control services with its new partners, St. Hubert’s Welfare Center and Liberty Humane Society, where commitment to animal preservation and delivery of state of the art animal care services is a reality for the citizens of Newark,” said Mark Wade, director of the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness.

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