The Animal Control Division responds to complaints involving domestic animals as well as certain wildlife complaints affecting the health and safety of the general public. We are the primary enforcement agency for the township’s Animal Control regulations and NJ Animal Cruelty laws. Each November we hold a rabies clinic where dogs and cats can receive free vaccinations. We are available 24 hours a day for emergencies.

Following the retirement of Michael Mansfield, the animal control position was reduced to part-time status. David Blumig now fills the position by working 20 hours a week. In 2002 there were a total of 816 calls requiring a response of the Animal Control Unit. These included 341 calls for stray animals, 37 barking dog complaints and 217 other types of animal complaints, mostly involving some sort of wildlife. There were a total of 22 animal bites reported, 16 dog and 6 cat. There were no reported bites from non-domesticated animals. Four specimens were transported to the State Board of Health in Trenton for rabies testing. We are no longer transporting rabies specimens for local veterinarians, as this service is provided by the County Health Department. This accounts for the reduction in transports reported in previous years. One hundred and ninety one dead animals were removed from East Brunswick streets. 2002 was the last year that the Township will host two rabies clinics. Next year there will only be one clinic due to low participation and changes in state health regulations.

FAQ

Am I required to license my dog or cat?

Under both township ordinance and New Jersey state law all dogs, 7 months old or older, must be licensed. In order to obtain a license an animal must have a current vaccination against Rabies. In East Brunswick, cats, including outdoor cats that you provide any care for, must also be vaccinated against Rabies and licensed. Licensing violations are the most common court summons issued. Further information about licensing can be obtained by calling the Revenue office at 390-6828.

My neighbor’s dog barks all the time and they let it run loose in the neighborhood. What can I do?

An owner is responsible to keep his pet reasonably quiet. Also, any dog off of the owner’s property must be on a leash no longer than 8’ long and the owner must clean up after his dog by removing any feces left by the pet. If you are having a problem with a neighbor and their pet, please call this office. A letter can be sent to your neighbor explaining the local laws regarding pet ownership. If the problems continue you may be required to appear in municipal court.

I constantly see wildlife in my backyard. Are these animals dangerous and what can I do about them?

East Brunswick has a rich diversity of wildlife living within our borders. Everything from chipmunks and snakes to deer, coyote and even a bear, have been found at one time or another in our town. These animals are generally no threat to humans, however they are wild animals, and as such should be considered unpredictable and treated with respect.

We will respond to calls involving endangered or rare species as well as sick or injured wildlife creating a definite public health threat. We do not, however, trap and relocate nuisance wildlife. New Jersey Fish and Game laws require a specific set of circumstances before wildlife can be disturbed. Also, due to the current rabies epidemic, state wildlife regulations prohibit the release of wildlife anywhere other than the location where it was trapped. This area has reached the saturation point for those types of wildlife usually involved in nuisance complaints. Those animals already established drive off animals released into an already overpopulated area. Newly introduced animals generally die from exposure or are struck by motor vehicles as they move from one area to the next looking for a home. It is for these reasons, that unless they are living in your fireplace, attic or are doing extensive damage to your property, wildlife should be left alone. A local exterminator or wildlife pest control operator can remove problem wildlife. Check with the company that provides your home’s pest control services or look in the phone book under Pest Control.