Residents throughout Burlington County attended this week’s committee meeting.
Residents throughout Burlington County filled the municipal building at this week’s committee meeting to discuss the aftermath of the arrest of Donna Roberts.
Roberts was arrested for keeping more than 100 dogs in deplorable conditions, with 44 dogs found deceased, according to the State Police.
Mayor Michael Di Croce began the meeting with a statement expressing his feelings on the discovery, as well as an explanation on the timeline of the ordinance.
“My message tonight is out of bad comes good. We’re not going to let one bad event ruin our town’s reputation,” Di Croce said. “I am shocked and saddened by the findings and horrible situation recently discovered on the local property where dogs were being kept in deplorable conditions.”
Di Croce addressed the question a lot of residents had: Why wasn’t this ordinance passed sooner?
It was explained that noise complaints were made by a neighbor in 2017 that resulted in calls to the State Police, followed by several municipal court appearances, a mediation agreement and a settlement agreement — with hopes that it would solve the problem.
In November 2017, Ernie and Bridget Lazos moved to Shamong and reported noises of barking dogs to the State Police and the township.
The Lazos, along with Denise and Andrew Tollefson and Tracy and Patrick Burleson, returned to the committee each month to update the township and expressed concerns that the animals were being mistreated.
Di Croce said that he, along with township administrator Sue Onorato, went to the property in November and December 2017, along with multiple visits by animal control, to which they all heard nothing.
The committee began drafting an ordinance, with the introduction of the ordinance taking place at the August meeting, and after multiple changes were made due to the public’s feedback, an ordinance was passed in November.
The ordinance states that if someone has zero to 14 dogs, there will be no new regulations impacting them. If they have 15 dogs, they have to register with the township and comply with inspections.
There is additional language in the ordinance stating there is a cap at 25 dogs in a non-commercial zone. The full ordinance can be found at www.shamong.net.
The committee received gratitude from some Burlington County residents and backlash from others, with Marlton resident Jeanne Clayton stating there were concerns raised about Donna Roberts dating back to 2009.
“The one thing that really, really bothers me is when you say as soon as you knew what was happening, you took action,” Clayton said. “You have never done anything until Bridget and Ernie stepped forward and sacrificed their life and their time, with a few other neighbors, to do your job.”
The committee did not respond to Clayton’s comments regarding the issues in 2009.
In other news:
- LRHSD Board of Education member Ted Shinske was recognized for his involvement on the board as a Shamong Township representative for the past 21 years.
The next meeting on will be held on Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the municipal building.
