EASEL Animal Rescue League Sets New Industry Precedent in Animal Rescue

A Partnership That is NJ's First of its Kind and a Model for Other Municipal Animal Shelters. Two entities working together to save more animals and reduce cost to taxpayers. End Quote

Trenton-Ewing, NJ (1888PressRelease) July 09, 2015 - A unique mutual agreement has been forged between a township and a non-profit to benefit animals. It saves animals and taxpayers. Effective July 1, 2015, EASEL Animal Rescue League of Mercer County has been contracted to manage the Ewing Township's animal shelter cutting expenses to taxpayers nearly in half.

Building on its success at the shelter for more than six years, the municipality and EASEL have demonstrated their commitment to animal welfare showing that government and a nonprofit can be good partners. This new arrangement provides an example to other governments on how they can work successfully with rescue groups to benefit animals.

Ewing's Mayor, the business administrator, and council members unanimously approved the new arrangement June 23, 2015. The current contract is for a period of five months, with a longer-term deal under consideration to take effect in December. This is in alignment with EASEL's goal of helping more animals and to become Mercer County's premier animal adoption center.

While the current location at 4 Jake Garzio Road in Ewing has been working well, the needs are greater than the current facility can handle. EASEL's vision includes own building at a new location that will accommodate more animals, provide more amenities for training, play, and socialization, and provide more comforts while awaiting adoption. "We know the need is there," states Karen Azarchi, President of EASEL Animal Rescue League.

"We are thankful to our countless volunteers and many supporters including Church and Dwight, National Greyhound Rescue, and the local Animal Welfare Committee who recognize our efforts and help have helped us move the ball forward," she adds.

FACILITY CHANGES
Hours at the shelter, located at 4 Jake Garzio Rd facility off Scotch Road in Ewing, will be expanded which should result in more animals placed. The facility will be open for adoptions now seven days a week from noon to 3:00 p.m.

Residents can be confident in EASEL's ability to manage the facility. While EASEL will continue to rely heavily on volunteers to take over some of the management tasks, a few paid positions will be added.

As for other immediate changes, the public will be hard pressed to spot them. The entities have had a shared commitment for the animals working together for nearly seven years in preparing and placing animal rescues into loving homes. EASEL's year-round off-site "Adoption Days" will continue at area businesses.

HEROIC EFFORTS
"Since Kate Tuttle founded EASEL Animal Rescue in 2008, we have been able to provide a wider range of services to meet the changing needs of the community," adds Azarchi. EASEL's mission is to reduce the number of unwanted dogs, cats, and horses put down in Mercer County, through the power of collaborative coalitions and community alliances.

In addition to actively seeking animal placements, EASEL provides training and foster care. "As a no kill shelter, we work very hard to understand each animal's needs and the type of environment in which it will thrive," says Mark Phillips, EASEL Executive Director. "Sometimes animal are taught commands or how to walk on the leash, other times it might be helping them to recovery from surgery." Whether a cat or puppy, rabbit or another animal, all get the time and treatment that they need until they find homes.

EASEL is known for its many other services and educational efforts. They include its microchip clinics, vet clinics, dog training, fundraising events, school and community group interactions, low income pet owner assistance, and help line for pet owners.

Both volunteers and staff are excited at the opportunity to expand its services and look forward to new programming such as a children's animal clinic. The organization also plans to expand its animal care training and its reach in publicizing animals available for adoption.

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
Volunteers, fostering, and donations (financial and canned food) are top priorities. Canned dog and cat food of any kind may be dropped at the EASEL's doorstep any time or to its adoption events. As a 501(c)3, donations may be tax deductible. Residents are encouraged to join EASEL's Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the minute news on upcoming adoption events, clinics, breaking news, and to see lots of cute faces available for adoption.

For those considering adoption or fostering, they are encouraged to download an application from the website to begin the approval process. The shelter is located at 4 Jake Garzio Road, Ewing, NJ. For more information, please contact with Mark Phillips, Executive Director, at 609-649-4253 or Karen Azarchi, President at 609-883-0540.

With EASEL providing an example of a successful municipality-nonprofit partnership to benefit animals, it knows it is on to something great.

###

space

Other Related Press Releases