BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- The Bloomfield Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division have obtained a new state-of-the-art vehicle for responding to calls. Using general funds from the Division of Public Safety's budget, the department purchased a brand new 2019 Ford F250 pickup truck with a Custom Fiberglass C-100 Animal Transport Unit, which is the most in-demand by animal care professionals for its six animal compartments with air conditioned ventilation in each.
"Last year, Animal Control responded to 677 total calls for domestic animals and wildlife, and this new vehicle makes our responders better prepared for these situations," said Mayor Michael Venezia. "Since the disbanding of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Bloomfield Police Department has also assumed responsibility for investigating allegations of animal cruelty, and this vehicle will assist in these investigations."
Of the nearly 700 calls which Animal Control responded to last year, 151 responses were to surrounding municipalities, including Caldwell, Glen Ridge, and Nutley. Bloomfield works with many Essex County towns to share services in order to save taxpayer money. Animal Control services is just one of those services.
"This state-of-the-art vehicle will improve our efficiency and response times to all Animal Control calls, as well as aid in suspected animal abuse cases," said Director of Public Safety Samuel DeMaio. "Our officers, under the leadership of Support Services Director Anthony Dezenzo, do a great job keeping our residents safe while humanely handling animals such as feral cats, raccoons, and other wild or domesticated animals."
Since 2017, the Bloomfield Animal Shelter operations have been managed by the Bloomfield Police Department. Funding for the shelter comes from the Township of Bloomfield, Supports of Bloomfield Animal Shelter (SOBAS), state grants. donations from People for Animals, Inc. (PFA) and other non-profits.
"The Bloomfield Animal Shelter is a no-kill animal shelter, something we can all be proud of, and under the management of the Township of Bloomfield and the Police Department, we have humanely addressed problems such as feral cat colonies, and held frequent pet adoption events," said Councilman Ted Gamble, liaison to the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee. "The purchase of this vehicle reflects our shared commitment to providing the best possible services across the board in town."
The shelter is located at 61 Bukowski Place, and can be reached at (973) 748-0194. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to donate to the Bloomfield Animal Shelter, please visit https://www.bloomfieldshelter.com/.
