Trenton police taking on greater role at the city’s animal shelter
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) – Kasjana Green does some of the most important work in Trenton as a City Humane Law Enforcement Officer.
“It makes you feel good too when you can pick a dog up that [has] malnutrition, skinny, and you take them to the vet and then find homes for them, that’s the best part of being here,” said Green.
Unfortunately, she and other officers have had their hands full as the city contends with overcrowding at its shelter. Right now, more than a hundred animals are in the system- about half of them at their headquarters on Escher Street.
“If we get out five dogs today, later, we’re bringing in ten more,” said Green.
The city is taking action through an executive order from Mayor Reed Gusciora. In the city’s plan to transform the shelter system, a Trenton Police lieutenant will oversee the shelter, which will ultimately give humane officers more ability to crack down on crime.
Community outreach will also be part of the plan.
“We can start educating dog owners that are in the city,” said Green, “and then we will offer more things to the community that will help them with their digs like medical, food donations, low-cost spay and neuter, so I think it will be a great, great help.”
As these changes are ushered in by the day, the city is asking for support from donors.
“At the end of the day, we want to humanely treat our animals,” said Gusciora, “but also provide more adoption services and benefits to homeowners that are hurting with costs of the increased feed and care it takes to take care of a pet these days.”
To donate, visit the Trenton Animal Shelter’s Facebook page or call (609) 989-3254.
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