CMC Animal Shelter Hosts “Pitty” Party

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center would like to invite residents and visitors alike to join in celebrating ten years of saving lives and providing humane services to Cape May County’s companion animals. On Wednesday, July 16, 2014, 12:30-2:30 p.m., the public is invited to meet the Shelter pets during an open house with tours of the facility and free refreshments – including birthday cake.
The Animal Shelter first opened its doors to the public on July 16, 2004. Since then the Shelter has taken in over 12,000 dogs and cats and struggles daily to maintain a 92% live release rate.
In addition to the open house and in order to commemorate ten years, the Shelter will host a “Pitty” Party for the month of July – which is National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month. In an effort to decrease the number of pitbull and pitbull mixes entering the Shelter, several free services will be offered to Cape May County residents throughout the month.
“Pitbulls and pitbull mixes make up the largest percentage of dogs available for adoption at the Shelter and are a true challenge,” said Shelter Manager Judith Davies-Dunhour . “Through aggressive spaying and neutering initiatives, owner identification through microchipping and addressing behavior problems, we hope to decrease the number of pitbulls entering or remaining at our Shelter.”
For the month of July, Cape May County residents may are encouraged to have their owned pitbulls microchipped and spayed or neutered at no charge. “We would like to thank the Norman E & Gwyneth Staats Foundation for again helping to fund this initiate through their generous donation of $2000,” said Cape May County Sheriff Gary Schaffer, who oversees the Shelter. “It is through this type of collaborative effort that we can address some of our challenges at the Shelter.”
Also, throughout July all adoption of pitbulls and pitbull mixes from the Shelter will include a private training session with the Shelter’s professional dog trainer and behaviorist, Carol Siegrist, owner of Dog Training In The City. “Carol has extensive experience with pitbulls that have been in shelters and has made a difference in helping us to socialize and enhance pitbulls under our care while they await re-homing, ” said Shelter Manager Judy Davies-Dunhour. “Carol employs only positive, reward based training techniques and we find it very effective and worthwhile.”
County residents interested in the spay/neuter and microchipping programs must call the Shelter to make an appointment. Proof of Cape May County residency is required.
The Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center is located in the Crest Haven Complex at 110 Shelter Road in Cape May Court House (Exit 11 off the Garden State Parkway). The facility is open seven days a week for adoptions and visitors from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go to www.capemaycountygov.net or follow the Shelter on Facebook.
For additional information call 609-465-8923 or email animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net or visit our website at www.capemaycountygov.net.