EAST HANNOVER TWP. – While the COVID-19 pandemic, and in particular the appointment of vaccines, remains a top priority for the community health department, health officer Carlo Dilizia said the community will at some point consider a trap, neuter, vaccination and release (TNVR) proposal for wild cats after residents from other cities suggested that the community look into the program.
The program includes setting up traps for wild cats. Once captured, they are neutered or neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and released back into the wild.
Terri Baird of the Hannover parish may have gotten off on the wrong foot after saying that she helped her own parish with TNVR, adding: “I think there are some hurdles that have to be overcome in East Hannover in order to do this to make acceptable.
“A lot of the people I’ve helped have been your older seniors, and honestly, they are really scared of the city for looking after their few cats that they have in their backyards, even though we’ve reduced the population in several places to have . “
Mayer Joseph Pannullo interrupted them.
“You said our seniors are afraid of our city?” he asked.
Baird replied but only got partially through her answer before the mayor cut her off.
“They’re scared to talk about the positives of TNR because …” Baird said before being cut off.
“I think you are wrong Terri,” said Pannulo. “I have never heard of a senior citizen come to speak about a program and still be turned away. There is no reason for any of our constituents to ever be afraid to speak their play, and I refuse for you to speak for them. You can speak for yourself at any meeting, just like you are tonight. There is no city that worries more about its people than we do. We are very committed to that our seniors are cared for. “
The mayor said he had information from local attorney Beth Rogers, who is helping the community through a TNVR regulation.
“Beth Rogers sent us a suggestion,” said Pannullo. He said health officer Dilizia would consider the proposal at some point in the future because “we are in the middle of a pandemic”.
“(DiLizia) said he would take a look and advise us on what to do,” said Pannullo.
Baird called the answer “very good to hear” adding that there is much new evidence available.
“I think he will find that this would be a positive result for the residents of East Hanover, just like for Hanover and also for Parsippany.”
At the meeting, Michelle Brodbeck from Asbury Park, Community Cat Program Manager at the nonprofit People for Animals in Hillside, also spoke. She said People for Animals is responsible for a TNVR regulation in Hillside.
She said she would like to speak to someone in East Hanover about how a regulation could be implemented.
Pannullo noted that he has already received good information.
“Beth was very informative and gave information to Carlo,” said the mayor. “Carlo will be the main character. Anything you want to give, give Carlo and I ask you to be patient. Carlo is also the health officer in three other cities and we – I don’t have to preach to you – with the pandemic are ours Hands absolutely full. That doesn’t mean we won’t put the right time and effort into what you asked for. We’ll take a look and get back to you. “
Council President Carolyn Jandoli said she has only read a few articles about TNVR and would like to know more before making a decision. Pannullo told her he read information and put it in her inbox at the town hall.
Councilor Brian Brokaw said he also read the information.
“I hear you; I hear from the cats,” said Brokaw. “I agree with the mayor at the moment that it is simply not high on the priority list, but we will make it and take care of the situation. It will be under Carlo’s advice, but please be patient. Basically you catch the animal, you castrate or neuter it and release it outside and they die of old age or lack of food. “
Brokaw added after the meeting, “It’s a problem when people feed the cats,” he said.
Dilizia attended the Zoom meeting and said he had the opportunity to hear part of the presentation.
“My only suggestion is that I would only recommend having an individual and since I have been in touch with Ms. Rogers I would prefer her to be the contact, otherwise too many emails. I want her receive all information and submit a formal proposal so that we can review and advise. “
Pannullo agreed and asked Dilizia to contact him with information and he would keep Baird informed and Baird could keep Brodbeck informed.
“Sounds like a plan, sir,” said Dilizia.
Baird began her comments by encouraging her to appear before the council after receiving a positive response from her friend, Hanover Township Committeeman Thomas “Ace” Gallagher. She added that she had helped many of her friends in East Hanover.
“I helped them catch the cats, pay for them and bring them to be neutered,” she said.
She said she understood that East Hanover does not have a TNVR regulation while Hanover Township does.
“I’ve helped the city realize that releasing cats for a community is good for the city,” she said. “For a number of years we have signed a contract with St. Hubert’s (animal welfare center) or Parsippany Animal Control to provide this service to our city. We both want the same thing. We want cats not to run around the community.”
