Woodbridge residents press council to act as mayor says township authority limited to farm animals

Dozens of residents urged the Woodbridge Township Council on Feb. (public comment date not specified) to revoke SeaQuest Woodbridge’s permits and turn its animals over to sanctuaries, saying the aquarium’s interactive exhibits harm animals and pose public‑health risks. Mayor Mary McCormick told the council the township’s direct jurisdiction covers only the farm animals on site — “a pig, two goats, three rabbits and four chickens” — and that inspections by township officials and an independent veterinarian found no evidence of abuse.

Why it matters: Residents and animal‑welfare advocates told the council they have documented more than 100 animal deaths at SeaQuest locations since 2019, described missing veterinary records, and warned that the company’s reported financial problems increase the risk to animals. The matter sits at the intersection of municipal public‑health authority, state wildlife regulation and federal oversight; speakers urged the township to use every available local tool while petitioning state and federal agencies to act.

Mayor’s report and township inspections

Mayor Mary McCormick opened the council’s public comment period with an update on SeaQuest. She said most of SeaQuest’s operation falls under the state Department of Environmental Protection and federal oversight, and that the township’s legal authority applies only to the small group of…