During a heated Monmouth County Commissioners meeting on September 12, 2024, significant discussions arose regarding the recent changes in law enforcement responsibilities of the Monmouth County SPCA. Attorney Fitzgerald announced that law enforcement functions would be transferred back to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, leading to the termination of the county's shared services agreement with the SPCA. This change strips the SPCA of its law enforcement capabilities, a move that has been met with criticism regarding the organization's past actions.

Commissioners expressed concerns over the SPCA's handling of cases, particularly regarding allegations of misconduct that resulted in the indefinite layoffs of city employees. The commissioners emphasized the need for administrative and legal reforms within the SPCA, stating that the organization had received numerous warnings about its failures.

Tensions escalated when Council President Viera was confronted about the city's health department's oversight of the SPCA's facility, which had been ordered to remain open for operations despite hygiene concerns. Viera's refusal to answer questions from the public led to accusations of a lack of transparency and accountability in city governance.

The meeting concluded with a call for further action to address the ongoing issues surrounding the SPCA, highlighting a commitment to reform and improved oversight in the future.