Edison releases inspection reports on animal shelter deficiencies

By Alvin Wu
Domestic Affairs
Edison releases inspection reports on animal shelter deficiencies

Logo of Edison Township, N.J., to which the animal shelter belongs. EDISON TOWNSHIP/Logo

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 10 (ZFJ) — Edison has released two veterinarians’ inspection reports on the condition of its animal shelter and a memorandum about the township’s response from early November.

The reports highlight problems relating to health, overcrowding, and management and recommend immediate action.

The Edison Animal Shelter serves Metuchen, Piscataway, Dunellen, Highland Park, and Edison.

DR. CHIOSI’S REPORT

Joseph R. Chiosi, doctor of veterinary medicine, of Sayrebrook Veterinary Hospital in Sayreville conducted an inspection on July 20, 2023, after performing exams and administering vaccines for adopters’ pets. Instead of only completing an inspection form as contracted to do, he wrote a full report.

“I am very concerned about the state of the Edison Animal Shelter,” Chiosi wrote. “The main problem is that the person put in charge of the shelter has no experience with animals and how to run a shelter. I feel that the position mandates someone with both animal and shelter experience.”

He noted that Shelter Manager Tina Pasukinski, who joined in June 2023 and, in his understanding, runs the shelter “from a managing and financial standpoint,” had been bitten three times, and that he observed low staff morale.

He said that he examined the pets before the inspection because he did not want to send people away. However, he wrote, paying for veterinary care should be the responsibility of the adopters, not the township, to “foster the investment people should make in caring for their own pets.”

Chiosi observed overcrowding, dogs in crates, unsafe cages forced into use, and guinea pigs caged in the cat isolation ward. He pointed out that the use of wood partitions instead of steel in the newly-constructed isolation room does not allow for proper disinfection.

He noted that animals are not vaccinated when first entering the shelter, increasing the chance of disease. Dogs should receive DAPPL and oral bordetella vaccines, while cats should receive the one for FVRCP, he said.

Finally, Chiosi pointed out that the shelter has missed many appointments at his hospital as well as numerous payments. He wrote that his bill has been approaching $50,000 while invoices as early as September 2022 remain outstanding. The hospital’s contract at that time expired on Aug. 31, 2023.

“I realize writing this report will upset some people, but the issues need to be addressed and corrected promptly,” Chiosi wrote.

DR. FEDDERSEN’S REPORT

Edison hired Nicole Feddersen, doctor of veterinary medicine, of the Little Silver Animal Hospital in Little Silver, N.J., as the township’s in-house veterinary provider. She was medical director for the Monmouth County SPCA for six years. Feddersen wrote a report on Nov. 1, 2023, after working with Edison’s shelter for two weeks.

She felt that the shelter’s manager and employees are committed to their work but noted that several who are reluctant to improve should be “relocated.” She recommended investing in the staff by purchasing equipment for safe animal handling as well as professional training and continuing education.

She observed damp, warm, and cluttered conditions with an odor and recommended improving air flow, eliminating clutter (a possible vector of disease), and choosing a room to clean thoroughly.

Feddersen highlighted the need for a designated intake location, separating prey from predatory species, and improved animal living spaces.

She noted that enrichment—improving confined animals’ environmental and behavioral care, like chewing for dogs and scratching for cats—is not routinely done in the shelter. She also pointed out that intake vaccinations are essential: FVRCP for cats, DAPPv and bordetella for dogs, and rabies once the stray hold ends.

Feddersen wrote that the shelter should bring back accounts with companies to directly receive supplies as well as improve relations with local veterinarians. She agreed with Chiosi that it is the responsibility of adopters, not the township, for continuing medical care.

“We have the responsibility for adopting out a healthy and behaviorally sound animal that should be vaccinated appropriately for age, altered, microchipped, tested for heartworm disease or feline leukemia and FIV along with being maintained on heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention,” she wrote.

She also said she needs a lock box and logging mechanism to keep controlled drugs on-site for sedation and euthanisa. She added that the shelter’s team is working on transparent euthanisa guidelines.

She concluded with a recommendation to streamline the adoption process and introduce cage cards to highlight animals’ positive traits.

“I am happy to be here and to move forward together,” Fedderson wrote. “In just these two weeks, I have seen improvements in the facility and an excited staff eager to help and learn. I have also met many highly adoptable animals who will benefit from your commitment to them.”

TOWNSHIP RESPONSE

Sonia Alves-Viveiros, township business administrator, sent an update on shelter operations to the mayor and town council on Nov. 9, 2023, and said that all of Choisi’s points have been “duly noted.”

She wrote that the town has negotiated with the municipal employees’ union “to address the need for personnel outside of normal 9-5 business hours,” contracted with the Monmouth SPCA for professional services and staff training, hired Dr. Feddersen, and opened more animal control officer positions.

She reported that a table of organization has been created for shelter operations and preparation is underway for a request for quote for expanding the shelter to alleviate overcrowding.

Alves-Viveiros said that the township has conducted a financial analysis report, which identified shortfalls from shared services agreements. A meeting with Piscataway, which has $120,047 in shortfalls and a contract ending December of this year, has begun.

“The Administration will continue to update the governing body regularly for purposes of transparency and items where council approval may be necessary in addressing areas related to infrastructure and any professional services,” concluded Alves-Viveiros.

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