Liberty Humane Society announces closure – With hundreds of pets in danger
During the summer season, the Liberty Humane Society sought assistance from local residents and animal advocates due to a significant increase in the number of pets at their shelter, resulting in overcrowding. With considerable effort and success, LHS managed to find homes for these dogs through fostering and adoption initiatives. However, several months later, Liberty Humane Society faces another challenging situation. The City of Jersey City has decided to terminate its long-standing agreement with LHS.
On the evening of October 16th, LHS’s Executive Director, Irene Borngraeber, along with the Board of Directors, conveyed this news to the Jersey City community via their Instagram page.
Since 2004, LHS has been operating from its location across from the Liberty Science Center. Now, the City of Jersey City is revoking LHS’s authority to provide assistance to animals through sheltering and animal control. As of December 31st, 2023, the City will assume control of the facility at 235 Jersey City Boulevard. What remains uncertain is what will transpire between October 31st (when the existing agreement concludes) and December 31st (the date of the shelter’s closure).
The services that the shelter has been offering will now fall under the city’s jurisdiction. LHS’s sheltering and animal control operations will cease on the same day. As for the animals currently housed in the shelter, those that are no longer on a stray hold will be relocated to off-site foster care. It’s important to note that no animals will be left behind at the shelter. Although seen as sad news by many, hopefully the animals will be ok.
