Monthly Archives: July 2018

On July 20, 2018, on behalf of residents, Animal Attorney Dante DiPirro wrote to the Mayor, Council Members, Shelter Director and Shelter Veterinarian concerning the unlawful killing of animals in the Hamilton Township animal shelter in Mercer County New Jersey.

State law mandates with regard to an owner-surrendered animal that the shelter “shall offer the animal for adoption for at least seven days before euthanizing it.” N.J.S.A. 4: 19-15.16(e) (emphasis added). That provision exists to allow the animals an opportunity to be adopted before they are killed.

However, statements made at the council meeting this week by Shelter representatives show that they are aware of the law, refuse to follow the express and unambiguous language of the statute, and fail to comply with their non-discretionary, mandatory duty to offer each such animal for adoption for at least seven days.

DiPirro called on the township to immediately cease and desist the violations of law or face a law suit asking a Court to order the township and shelter to comply with the law.

Previously, DiPirro handled law suits in Monmouth and Gloucester Counties which ended the unlawful killing of animals in those counties.

Click link below to view the letter to Hamilton Township officials:

20180720 Lt DiPirro to Hamilton Twp 7 day hold law violations SENT

Update on challenge to PennEast Pipeline: In a separate case, Delaware Riverkeeper Network v FERC, USCA Case # 17-5084, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a facial challenge to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s process in issuing tolling orders. While unfortunate for citizens — because FERC’s use of tolling orders limits important access to the courts — the ruling does not stop the on-going challenge to the proposed PennEast pipeline project.