Community Corner

Homeless, Pet Shelter Set Up At Freehold Detention Center

Pets being taken in from Hurricane Irene shelters being housed at juvenile facility

The former Monmouth County Youth Detention Center, 119 Dutch Lane in Freehold Townshop, has been converted into a temporary animal and homeless shelter in advance of Hurricane Irene.

Representatives from the Monmouth County SPCA, Associated Humane Societies readied one wing of the building for an anticipated 80 to 100 animals. A separate wing of the center was converted into a shelter for 22 men and women who had been evacuated from the county’s emergency housing facility in Fort Monmouth.

“We’re using the resources we have here,” said Freehold Amy Mallet, liaison to the Department of Human Services. “It’s an unusual situation to be taking in pets and people. We’re making the best of it.”

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Monmouth County SPCA Sgt. William Hyer said the animal shelter in the center is open on an emergency basis for individuals who are evacuating and have nowhere else to bring their cats and dogs. Owners should call the Monmouth County SPCA at 732-542-0040 to reserve a spot for their pet, as space is limited, Hyer said. The shelter had food, cages, litter and water; owners should bring their pet’s medication to the center, he said.

The pet intake process involves collecting pertinent information on the pet, contact information for the owner, and a photo of the owner, according to Hyer. Veterinary technicians from the Monmouth County SPCA and the Associated Humane Societies are on hand at the facility, he said.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The facility had taken in five pets by 1 p.m. on Saturday.


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