Attention Woodbridge Animal Lovers!

As an animal lover and strong supporter of TNR (trap, neuter and release), I was delighted to receive an e-mail from a real, Jersey City based champion of TNR.

Here's the great news:

"Hello everyone,

We have great news. The City of Jersey CIty will now spay or neuter your pet cat for FREE if you live in either zip code 07305 OR 07304. AND you can also spay or neuter your outside FRIENDLY cats that you are feeding. (This is just for outside friendly/social cats --- NOT FERAL cats.) This is a requirement of the grant funding. For feral cats, you can spay or neuter through the Neighborhood Feral Cat Initiative.

Funding for the Jersey City program is being made by a $79,500 PetSmart Charities grant. Please contact Robin Pinkowitz of the Jersey City Animal Control Department at 201 547 5507 to schedule your appointment.

Please spread the word!

All the best,

Carol

END

Here's the letter:

February 22, 2013

Dear Jersey City Pet Owner in 07304 and 07305,

Spaying or neutering is one of the greatest gifts you can provide your cat, your family and your community. These routine medical procedures not only help control the cat overpopulation, but they may also prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing, allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier, and happier life.

The City of Jersey City is pleased to inform you that it is offering a no cost spay/neuter program for cats in a targeted zip code. Last year, the City was awarded a $79,500 grant from PetSmart Charities® to help end the overwhelming surrendering of unwanted animals with a targeted spay/neuter program.

While this opportunity is open to all indoor kitties, it is also available to all backyard/neighborhood cats who simply refuse to move inside and who are under the custodianship of a resident. This grant allows the City to help cat owners spay or neuter their indoor cats and friendly outdoor felines (no feral cats, please) in a particular zip code, in this case 07304 and 07305. These zip codes were chosen because of the amount of owner surrenders, strays, and dead animals reported in that particular area. Cats don’t need to be licensed for this program. Because the grant money is limited, all spay/neuters are on a first come, first serve basis.

We understand that many people are struggling, and that is why we sought private funding to help our pet owners who may be facing difficult times and encourage them to take advantage of these services. Our goal and PetSmart Charities®’ goal is to provide owners with the opportunity of keeping their pets rather than surrendering them to a shelter or abandoning them on the streets. By working together, we can create a happier and healthier environment for our pets and the community.

Please contact Robin Pinkowitz at (201) 547-5507 to schedule services for your cat. Don’t be left out… call today.  Residents who need a cat carrier to transport their cat to the vet for his/her free spay/neuter will be given a cardboard carrier, courtesy of the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services  Please speak with Robin when calling to book your appointment.

Sincerely, Jerramiah T. Healy

END

KUDOS to Mayor Healy, the Jersey City Department of Health, PetSmart Charties and, of course, Ms. Carol McNichol for all her efforts, in bringing this humane service to Jersey City animals.

Perhaps, Woodbridge may take notice of Jersey City's lead on the program and make efforts to duplicate it.  Let's ask the mayor!