Compassion for Camden -"What ever happened in Camden?"

The City of Camden, NJ is the county seat for a well-to-do Camden County where politicians have swept animal issues under the rug for decades.

Clearly, this indifference on the part of the county freeholders has resulted in the county's dubious distinction of more dogs and cats abused, abandoned, impounded and killed than any other county in New Jersey.

For more than thirty years, Camden County has ignored its responsibility to end the misery on the streets of Camden. Little or nothing has been spend on anything more than state mandated programs.

If nothing else we demand -
Proper Funding
for the Camden County Animal Shelter!

This dog was "taught a lesson" by being hit in the face with a hammer.

Was hit in the face with a hammer to "teach him a lesson."

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."

-Albert Einstein

Sick and starving animals make easy targets!

... the more a county has, the higher the percentage of abuse.

This little dog was found huddled in the corner of a building. No one paid attention to his grim existence.

Dead dogs found in open fields, alleys, backyards and on the streets.

They are a common sight, having died from starvation, from the elements, or acts of cruelty.

See Photos.

For more information, please see the
Mean Streets and Rescue Pages of our website.

In the City of Camden, we know of children who were made to witness animal abuse to "teach them a lesson." And of children who have ...	Set on fire!
This dog hung to death.	This cat survived blinding attempts using blow darts.
	We found this dog with his leg and tail hacked off with an ax.
... seen dogs and cats set on fire and told us such graphic details as a puppy "slobbering" while burning to death.

"We are becoming casual about brutality. We have made our peace with violence."

-Norman Cousins

Animal abuse rarely stops there!
Our prisons are full of murderers who "practiced" on animals.

In 1996, county freeholders hesitantly gave in to public outcry by providing a county animal shelter. The Camden County Animal Shelter opened in 1997, but it was half the originally promised size.

The county's lack of interest may have greatly contributed
to the City of Camden's recent and additional
distinction of being the most "violent city" in the U.S.

The Courier-Post writes:

January 10, 2005 •• 628 words •• ID: chr2005011107055768

Recently named America's most dangerous city because of rising murder, rape, assault and theft rates, Camden is a city in need of drastic measures to solve its crime problem. That's why U.S. Attorney Chris Christie announced last week that federal law enforcers, including the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency, are joining the fight against crime here. Another bold measure that could be taken was among a list of 14 recommendations a City Council committee studying public – (www.courierpostonline.com)

To date ...

Camden County has provided nothing more than a mediocre shelter,
and to add insult to injury, ... it’s improperly funded!
County funding consists of a mere $150,000 per year.
Freeholders have gotten away with it since 1997!
No other county shelter is funded this poorly. Shame!

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE ALL OF IT!

Demand that County freeholders address the root of problem by
providing education and free spay/neuter programs.

The Camden County Animal Shelter needs
$625,000
in annual funding to save lives, operate properly
- AND -
to provide city programs.

"Never doubt that a small committed group of people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

-Margaret Mead

Action Alert!

THE ANIMALS NEED YOUR VOICE!

You've done it before, do it again!
Your actions have ALWAYS brought results.

PLEASE WRITE or CALL, ... IT WORKS!

Camden County Courthouse - 520 Market Street - 8th Floor - Camden, NJ 08102

See Sample Letter Shown Below.

	Louis Cappelli, Jr. Freeholder Director (856) 225-5451 louc@camdencounty.com
	Edward McDonnell Freeholder Deputy Director (856) 225-5458 mcdonnel@camdencounty.com
	Jeffrey L. Nash Freeholder (856) 225-5466 jnash@camdencounty.com

J. Gurick
Freeholder
(856) 225-5576
tgurick@camdencounty.com

Joseph Ripa
Freeholder
(856) 225-5305
jripa@camdencounty.com

Riletta L. Cream
Freeholder
(856) 225-5453
rcream@camdencounty.com

Carmen Rodriguez
Freeholder
(856) 225-5575
carmenr@camdencounty.com

SAMPLE LETTER TO FREEHOLDERS:

Dear Freeholders:

The Camden County Animal Shelter has never been properly funded. In order to make changes for the future for humans and animals in Camden County, I am appealing to you to provide the shelter with $625,000 annually. This amount will help save lives, allow the shelter to operate properly, provide free spay/neuter for needy county residents and humane education programs.

Thank you!

Your name, address, phone number.

PLEASE NOTE:
Typewritten letters and phone calls are best. Emails may not be read for days, or may be deleted before being read. Also consider reading your letter during a public freeholder meeting. Thank you for making a difference!

Thank you for making a difference!