When hurricane Sandy devastated the New Jersey shore and the lives of shore residents, Laura Pople — a nationally recognized animal advocate and founder of Seer Farms– didn’t just put a couple dollars in a donation jar. When she heard the anguished tales of displaced families who were turned away from shelters because they would not leave their pets behind, Laura decided to take in their pets temporarily.
Grateful families got their pets to a safe, residential setting, and are able to visit them regularly until they can get back on their feet and take their pet home– a feel-good story with happy ending, right?
Maybe not! This week Jackson Township NJ did not thank Laura for her selfless deeds for her neighbors and community, did not issue a proclamation proclaiming her public service, or throw a congratulatory party for her in the municipal building. Instead, Jackson cited Laura with operating an unpermitted “kennel”– a charge that could result in
her having to pay a $500 fine and serving up to 90 days in jail. Is the old adage is true: no good deed goes unpunished?
Let’s not make it so! Join us in speaking out in the name of justice!
- Sign the on-line petition; or
- Call the Mayor’s 24/7 Hotline 732-928-1200 Ext. 137
- And urge the town to permit her to keep helping Sandy families and their pets on her property.
For more information, see the press release below:
Angel of mercy for Sandy victim pets in town’s cross-hairs
Jackson Twp, NJ.
This week, Jackson Township issued a criminal complaint against Laura Pople for temporarily taking in pets of displaced Hurricane Sandy victims. The complaint alleges that Laura failed to get a kennel license, a charge that carries sanctions of up to $500 in fines and 90 days in jail.
Laura Pople, who has received local, state and national recognition for her work on behalf of Seer Farms, said, “In times of crisis, like the devastation wrought by Sandy, when so many families are hurting, we have to do what we can to help. I never dreamed that by helping I would get prosecuted.”
During the recent crisis, one particular plight of Sandy victims came to Laura’s attention when she learned that families who had lost their homes were in desperate need of a good, safe place to leave their animals until their homes could get rebuilt, the mold removed, or so that they could find suitable housing—and that most victims’ shelters do not accept pets.
About the foster care she provides, Laura said, “The temporary care is provided by a small but dedicated group of us who live on the grounds. We care for the pets of people who cannot care for them right now and then we return the animals to their owners. While the pets are here, the families get to visit them in our home, and we take care of the animals like they were our own.”
It appears that Laura’s plight will soon get even more grim: the township has indicated that it plans to cite Laura with additional violations and wants to remove the animals from her property.
Dante DiPirro, Esq, who represents Laura, has reached out to the township in an attempt to seek a mutually acceptable resolution but has not been able to get the town to agree to a dialog. DiPirro said he is undaunted: “I refuse to believe that there is no amicable solution when the conduct charged is the very thing that is doing so much good for her community. We have had too many Sandy victims already— we don’t need to add Laura to the list.”
The criminal case is scheduled for April 25, 2013 in Jackson township municipal court.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Dante Di Pirro, Esq.
77 Snydertown Road, Hopewell, NJ 08525
609-429-0779 dante@dantelawyer.com