Trenton, New Jersey: City Council Approves Controversial Animal Shelter Expansion

Trenton, New Jersey: City Council Approves Controversial Animal Shelter ExpansionTrenton, New Jersey: City Council Approves Controversial Animal Shelter Expansion The Trenton City Council recently voted to approve a controversial expansion of the city’s animal shelter, sparking heated debate among residents and animal rights groups. The expansion plan involves the construction of a new facility that will house up to 400 animals, nearly doubling the shelter’s current capacity. Proponents of the plan argue that the city’s animal population has grown significantly in recent years, and the shelter is consistently overwhelmed. However, opponents of the expansion have raised concerns about the cost of the project, as well as the potential for increased euthanasia rates. The expansion is estimated to cost around $12 million, which some residents believe could be better spent on other city needs. Animal rights groups have also expressed concerns about the shelter’s euthanasia policies. The city’s current euthanasia rate is around 50%, which is significantly higher than the national average. Groups are concerned that the expansion will lead to even higher euthanasia rates, as the shelter will be able to hold more animals for longer periods of time. The City Council has defended the expansion, saying that it is necessary to address the city’s animal welfare crisis. The council has also committed to working with animal rights groups to reduce euthanasia rates. The expansion is expected to be completed within two years. In the meantime, the city is encouraging residents to adopt or foster animals from the shelter to help reduce the number of animals that need to be euthanized.