New Lower Township Animal Control Policy Announced

VILLAS — Lower Township officials would like to inform the public that all non-emergency animal control calls will be forwarded to Shore Animal Control directly. The number to call for Shore Animal Control is 1-800-351-1822.
Shore Animal Control currently has a rotation of officers in the township during normal business hours, and during nights and weekends for emergencies only. Below is a list of non-emergency and emergency situations.
Examples of calls that will be handled during business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. include:
• Respond to stray or injured animals.
• Respond to wildlife that is sick or injured.
• Respond to dog bites of people or animals.
• Respond to habitually howling/barking dogs.
• Respond to dogs on the beach in violation of local ordinances.
• Respond to any bats or wildlife inside a residence living quarter.
• Assist police officers in arrest cases that involve animals left inside cars or residences.
• Respond to any calls of cruelty, abuse or neglect including frozen water and improper shelter.
• Pick up road kill with the exception of deer or wildlife over 75 lbs.
• Pick up injured or sick animals.
Emergency calls will be responded to on the nights and weekends and include the following:
• Any animal attack or situation in which an animal is creating a dangerous situation to the public.
• Any animal impeding traffic and creating a safety concern.
• An injured or sick animal or wildlife
Residents can still call the police department for habitually howling/barking dogs after hours and Shore Animal Control will conduct a follow up investigation during regular business hours.
This new policy is effective starting Aug. 15.
“ This new policy will free up our dispatch and our police officers to focus on safety issues concerning the residents and allow our animal control company to do what they are trained to do and understand. We are very pleased with the synergy and cooperation between our police department and our animal control company and feel we can best continue to serve the public with this new policy,” said Township Manager Mike Voll.
To contact Shore Animal Control for any issues, please call 1-800-351-1822.
The above release was received from the Township of Lower.