The ASPCA awards $10,000 grant to Liberty Humane Society

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced an award of $10,000 in emergency grant funding to the Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City, N.J., following the removal of 42 animals from the Hudson County SPCA, also in Jersey City.

On Friday, April 11, Jersey City police and health officials, along with members of the Liberty Humane Society staff and recently formed citizen's group, Hudson County Animal Advocates, removed 15 dogs, 26 cats and a ferret from the Hudson County SPCA. The court order mandating the removal of the animals, due to a long history of abuse and neglect, also suspended any further animal shelter operations at the Hudson County SPCA until at least May 19, 2008.

"Over the years, the Liberty Humane Society staff has shown an exceptional commitment and dedication to animals in its community, and this instance is no exception," said Julie Morris, the ASPCA's Senior Vice President of National Outreach. "I am glad we can provide them with this support in their time of need."

The Liberty Humane Society was founded in 1998 to work in partnership with the City of Jersey City to build and manage a state-of-the-art animal shelter. Historically, the City of Jersey City had contracted with the Hudson County SPCA for animal sheltering services, but in 2001, after a state investigation revealed numerous abuses, mismanagement and financial mis-dealings at the HC/SPCA, the City dropped its contract and opened its own animal shelter in a converted garage.

The LHS provided volunteer and financial support, and participated in managerial and hiring decisions. The funds provided by the ASPCA will be used to purchase an industrial washer and dryer and help with other emergency related costs, such as staff overtime and cat cages. On average, the Liberty Humane Society houses up to 130 cats and dogs on any given day; the influx of animals from HC/SPCA has increased its shelter population by 57 percent to more than 200.

"The rescued animals are comfortable and safe, and we've had wonderful response from dedicated volunteers and staff responding to this emergency, but we need the community's assistance now more than ever," said Vivian Kiggins, Executive Director of the Liberty Humane Society. "Cash donations, as well as supplies such as bleach, linens, paper towels and non-fish canned cat food, are still needed."

To volunteer or donate, please contact the Liberty Humane Society at lhs@libertyhumane.org or at (201) 547-4147. All donations can be mailed to LHS, P.O. Box 3766, 235 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07303, or can be made online at www.libertyhumane.org. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA ® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org

About Liberty Humane Society
The Liberty Humane Society mission is to foster a community of compassion and respect, and provide animals in need with a chance at a lifelong, loving home. In partnership with the City of Jersey City, under the auspices of the Mayor and City Council, the LHS took over management of the Jersey Animal Shelter, and is working with the city to raise funds to build a state-of-the-art animal sheltering facility.