NEWARK, NJ — The past two weeks have been challenging at the Associated Humane Societies’ animal shelter in Newark, staff say.
According to the CEO of the Associated Humane Societies (AHS) – which also runs shelters in Tinton Falls and Forked River – the Newark facility has recently dealt with an air conditioning malfunction and Parvo-related “deep cleaning” in its dog kennels.
AHS-Newark posted multiple messages on social media about the developing situation. An Instagram post from July 28 read:
“Please be advised due to kennel maintenance and deep cleaning, our kennels will be closed to Aug. 1. Our cat adoption floor and small dog rooms will continue to be open to the public for cat, kitten and small dog adoptions! Thank you for your cooperation!”
On Tuesday – a day after the kennels were expected to reopen – AHS-Newark posted an update on Facebook:
“Unfortunately there’s been a delay and our kennels need to remain closed! Please be advised due to kennel maintenance and deep cleaning, our kennels will be closed and we will update when they are open! Our cat adoption floor and small dog rooms will continue to be OPEN to the public for cat, kitten and small dog adoptions! Thank you for your cooperation!”
On Wednesday, AHS-Newark shared the following message, explaining more about the situation:
“It’s never a question of if but when a shelter will experience a mechanical malfunction or a case of an infectious disease. The real test is whether we have effective protocols and back up plans to address the issues. Over the past two weeks we have experienced both. First, a mechanical breakdown of the air conditioning in the dog kennels forced us to take immediate action with auxiliary units until the problem was rectified. Second, an owner surrendered a sick dog with Parvo without disclosing the fact. Once this issue was diagnosed, we immediately implemented isolation protocols for any dog testing positive, tested all dogs in the vicinity of the infected dogs and restricted access to kennels to employees wearing proper protective clothing. We want to assure the public that all dogs are properly vaccinated, no dog is leaving our building without being tested prior to exit, and a deep clean of all dog kennel areas has been completed. We appreciate the public’s concern and hope to be able to reopen next week. In the meantime our small dog, cat and kitten adoption rooms remain open at this time and they are looking for their forever homes.”
The Newark shelter has been seeing a heavy influx of dogs lately. In June, staff put out a call for help after reaching full capacity for large dogs. Read More: Newark Animal Shelter ‘At Capacity’ For Large Dogs – Can You Help?
The doggies have kept coming since then, the shelter reported on Tuesday:
“Our shelter is packed to the gills! We have so many dogs coming in everyday, our phones are blowing up with incoming animal surrenders. Our animals are not in any danger due to space, but we’re calling out for help from whoever is willing! Thank you to the amazing fosters, adopters and rescues who have already stepped up. Please help us free up our kennels! Interested in fostering? Please email Sherri at slaraway@ahsppz.org.”
