Letters
NJAWR directors dispute points in letter about wildlife rehabilitators

In response to Melissa Jacobs’ letter of May 12, which appeared in the Sentinel, the New Jersey Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators (NJAWR) offers the following information.

Ms. Jacobs stated, “Until recently, many volunteers cared for disabled wildlife … Wildlife rehabilitators numbered over 100 to cover the entire state. Due to recently implemented and ambiguous controls set by the state Division of Fish and Wildlife (F&W), there are only an estimated 30 rehabbers left.” The accurate information is that more than half still retain permits in New Jersey. There are also apprentices in the state currently training to take the exam and receive a permit.

In 2000, there were 92 permitted rehabilitators in the state. In 2004, 52 were issued permits. This follows a national trend. Many rehabilitators nationwide are facing difficulties finding and retaining volunteers and raising the much-needed funds to support their nonprofit, rehabilitation activities.

“The newly initiated F&W process for licensing rehabbers has drastically eliminated those who were able and qualified to help me.” The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife — in a cooperative effort with the NJAWR — began a trial implementation of a new permitting process in the fall of 2004. Thirty-one individuals have already voluntarily taken and passed a new exam. The permitting process is in the process of being standardized and simplified.

As a point of interest, Ms. Jacobs was an active, voting member of the NJAWR board of directors when the exams and new regulations were being developed in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. She continually voted in favor of the testing program and the process of updating regulations. It would seem the development stage of the process would have been the time to question the new process instead of the implementation phase. As a board member, Ms. Jacobs had every opportunity to participate in this process and chose not to participate.

Ms. Jacobs also requests, “Please contact your state, county and municipal elected officials. Please tell them that you want them to support and endorse legislation to preserve New Jersey wildlife rehabilitators.” Ms. Jacobs is referring to Senate Bill S2325 and its companion bill in the Assembly.

The NJAWR would ask that you contact your legislators and ask them not to support these bills. They are being sponsored by five permitted rehabilitators. (They have the support of a number of shelters and humane societies in the state. These facilities are not permitted to handle wildlife, and thus, have no vested interest in this process.) The other permitted rehabilitators in the state do not support these bills.

In 2004, permitted rehabilitators, their volunteers, subpermittees and apprentices treated more than 16,000 wild patients and answered more than 38,000 telephone calls from concerned residents. The NJAWR — which represents 102 members — in cooperation with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is working to set a minimum standard of care for all animals, to raise the level and competence of the state’s rehabilitators by requiring continuing education, and to overall increase the professionalism of our state’s rehabilitators.

New Jersey’s wildlife and New Jersey’s residents deserve no less.

Tim Steinbeiser

president

board of directors

New Jersey Association

of Wildlife Rehabilitators

Hopewell

Senior Center thanks Bristol-Myers Squibb

With so much heartache in the world today, I would like to take this time on behalf of the North Brunswick Senior Center to give our heartfelt thanks to Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS). Their generous gift enabled the senior center to refurbish the kitchen at the center, which was in dire need of upgrading.

As in the past, BMS has always come to the rescue with various programs such as scholarships for our students and assistance with various community activities. When the seniors of today are long gone, the generosity of BMS will always be remembered by future seniors.

Maryann Barrett Jabs

Pioneer Senior Citizens

of North Brunswick

Ban on ‘pocket bikes’ pleases Arc director

I would like to thank the New Jersey Legislature and acting Gov. Richard Codey for passing Bill S1510, which bans the use of miniaturized motorcycles — commonly known as “pocket bikes” — on public streets and roads. While these pocket bikes continue to grow in popularity, they are also responsible for an escalating number of fatalities and injuries throughout the state.

The new law ushers in an opportunity to solidify regulations, increase motor vehicle and pedestrian safety by getting them off the streets, and increase awareness about the dangers associated with these motorcycles.

The pocket bikes are most popular among youths who are not old enough to obtain a driver’s license. Its compact size lends to the idea that they are suitable and appropriate toys and/or sporting devices for children and teenagers, as many erroneously compare them to other battery-operated recreational devices, such as Power Wheels. These pocket bikes are compact-size, fully functional motorcycles that travel at speeds of 20-40 mph, posing a problem to oncoming motorists and pedestrians who cannot readily see them.

The New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities applauds the efforts made to educate the general public and keep our streets and residents safe. Please remember also to always wear an approved helmet.

Dr. Ann M. Wilson

Director, New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities The Arc of New Jersey

North Brunswick

Homeless Animals Day to shed light on tragic cycle

Aug. 20 is Homeless Animals Day. The International Society for Animal Rights began this day to publicize companion animal overpopulation, increase public awareness of the millions of animals killed in shelters annually due to a lack of homes, and to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering.

The total number of animals killed in shelters has been debated. Some estimate there are about 4 million-5 million animals killed per year in shelters, while others think the number is much higher (10-12 million). These estimates are only for shelter animals; they do not include street animals who die before ever making it to a shelter.

Whatever the true estimate is, millions of animals die because there are not enough homes.

On Homeless Animals Day, make a commitment to support rescue efforts. Support your local shelter, your local rescue group and your local independent rescuers. You can do this by having your own animals spayed or neutered, adopting your next companion animal and educating others about the importance of spaying or neutering and adoption.

We can end the tragic cycle of killing.

Michelle Sullivan

vice president

Homeless Animal Lifeline

Plainfield