TOWNSHIP OF TOMS RIVER

33 Washington Street

Toms River, NJ 08753

(732) 341-1000 x 8490

From the Desk of:  Helen McGovern    cell (732) 966-4989  

theonlymannequin@aol.com and dtmahelen@yahoo.com

April 26, 2007

TO:  ALL MEDIA

RE: PRESS RELEASE TOMS RIVER ANIMAL FACILITY – Extended hours for adoptions and                                                                                                 ongoing animal census          

To Whom It May Concern:         

The following information is for immediate release.  Kindly publish advances for print and broadcast on air as soon as possible.  You may call Jim Bowen, Toms River Animal Facility Division Manager for further information at (732) 367-5044.  If would like to arrange for an interview, you may call him directly or you can call me at (732) 966-4989.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Helen McGovern

*****************************PRESS RELEASE************************

TOMS RIVER ANIMAL FACILITY ANNOUNCES EXTENDED ADOPTION HOURS

AND ONGOING CENSUS

            The Toms River Animal Facility announced that it will be extending its hours for adoptions on Wednesdays, beginning May 2.  Hours for adoption will be Tuesday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday, 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday through Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Adoption processing will not take place on Mondays or holidays.  The building is located at 2201 Whitesville Road, approximately ¼ mile north of Route 70 and set back on MacPherson Lane.  The telephone number is (732) 367-5044. The office is open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM seven days a week to address animal control issues and it is closed on holidays.

            Jim Bowen, Animal Facility Division Manager stated, “The new hours will make it more convenient for many more community members to be able to visit us here.  We are encouraging folks to visit our homeless animals and perhaps find just the right loving dog or cat to add to the family.”  Bowen added, “We also address animal control issues here, provide guidance and information about rabies clinics, spaying and neutering, and handle owner relinquishments.  We are trying to become more easily accessible for the community and provide some public education and updates as needed.”

            The Township requires pet owners to license their dogs and cats with the Health Department located at 33 Washington Street in Downtown Toms River.  You may call Joan Sylvestri at (732) 341-1000 x 8400 between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, weekdays, except holidays for more information including costs and instructions.  Mr. Bowen added, “The Toms River Animal Facility is currently working in cooperation with the Health Department to follow up on unlicensed pets.  Our animal control officers are conducting an ongoing census in the Township and visiting folks whose pet licenses have not been renewed.  Pet licensing is required by law in Toms River and plays an important role in the health and safety of all our community members.  This is a serious issue we are addressing.  Residents are welcomed to call us at the Toms River Animal Facility or the Health Department for more information on the census or any other animal related concerns.”