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Cranford residents demand accountability after family’s cat lost during town-run vaccine clinic
Summary
Two residents described the loss of a family cat after a vaccine clinic at the Orange Avenue pool; speakers called for review and accountability of the contractor/veterinarian and for changes to event procedures and communications.
Two Cranford residents described the loss of a family cat after an animal vaccine clinic held at the Orange Avenue pool in November and urged township officials to ensure the same does not happen again.
Erno Fotoro told the committee his 10-year-old daughter and family brought their cat, Mochi, to the clinic and last saw him when he escaped through open back doors at the pool. Fotoro said the event’s promotional material lacked required details—he said it did not specify carrier requirements or that the clinic would be outdoors—and that he witnessed “mishandling” by the veterinarian at the event. The family searched the area for 67 days before learning Mochi had been hit and killed by a car on Jan. 7, Fotoro said.
Pamela Harrison, who also identified herself as connected to the family, spoke to Mochi’s temperament and the emotional impact on the children. Both speakers criticized the clinic staff and the Cranford Health Department’s response, saying no one offered help or sympathy in the parking lot, and asked township officials to pursue accountability and changes to event communications and procedures.
Mayor Terrence Curran offered condolences and said the township is “looking into making sure that this doesn’t happen again.” The committee did not take formal action at the meeting; members said they would take the comments seriously and follow up but did not specify a timeline for investigation or corrective measures.
Several comments at the meeting noted the need for clear event instructions and better on-site animal-handling protocols, and asked that future vaccination or clinic events include carrier and containment requirements on promotional materials and check-in instructions so attendees can bring animals in secure carriers to prevent escapes.
No ordinance, contract award, or vendor name was formally introduced or voted on at the meeting related to the clinic. Fotoro alleged the veterinarian had a prior record of complaints in other jurisdictions, but committee members did not provide independent confirmation during the meeting.
