Cinnaminson to Switch Animal Control Group

In the new year, Cinnaminson is slated to change its animal control group from a local one to a more regionalized group.

At Monday’s township committee meeting, Public Safety Director Michael King said after talks with Willingboro, his suggestion is to enter into the shared service with the township.

“We reached out to them, they made a proposal,” King said.

Township officials inquired about the service after Palmyra entered into an agreement for their services in September.

“It’s a very professional unit,” King said.

Cinnaminson currently uses M & R Wildlife, animal control officials based out of Palmyra. King said he has fielded some citizens’ complaints about the group and that prompted the switch.

Plus, the shared service with Willingboro will cost the township less. Township Administrator Frank Locantore said last year, the township paid M & R more than $21K for their services. They will now pay around $18K.

The Willingboro animal control officials are on duty from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and on call every other time, King said.

“Most of our calls are during the day time anyway,” King said. “It’s rare we have a night call.”

Calls will be handled right through dispatch.

It was M & R Wildlife that responded to three calls last month of rabid animals. In the span of a few weeks,  in Palmyra and Cinnaminson. 

The township will officially change over at January’s reorganization.