Earlier this year, we wrote about the importance of getting New Jersey animal control officers, local health department officials, pounds and animal shelters to abide by the 7-day holding period for stray animals.  See “New Jersey– enforce the mandatory 7-day holding period for stray animals.”

In New Jersey, stray animals must be held for at least seven days before they can be killed or offered for adoption.  N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.16.  The so-called seven-day holding period for gives families the opportunity to reclaim lost pets. It also protects animals from being needlessly killed by municipalities, pounds and shelters that do not want to be bothered with, or feel they do not have the time or space for, a stray animal.  Unfortunately, too many times this law is just plain ignored.

Now, in an important case that should be followed, Manalapan Township NJ animal control officers Sharon Gaboff, John Domic and Cherlann Ambrose, and Freehold health officer Julie Kramer are on trial for allegedly killing cats before the 7-day holding period.

The case is being heard in Manalapan Township Municipal Court.

We hope that as a result of the case, the law will be followed by everyone who handles animals!

For details about the case see:

http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/animal-control-officers-acos-on-trial-for-illegal-cat-killings