Trenton council confirms five members to new Animal Welfare Advisory Board

The Trenton City Council voted April 15 to confirm five mayoral appointees to the newly formed Animal Welfare Advisory Board, the body that will advise the health department and the animal shelter on shelter operations and community programs.

Mayor King introduced the nominees and said two candidates — Janina Calais and Joseph Antonello — were not present. He said each nominee had been interviewed by the health department, met with the shelter management team and toured the facility. The council moved to approve Caitlin Sealand, Destiny Walker, Marge Caldwell Wilson, Desiree Walker and Lenore Robinson; a roll call vote recorded unanimous approval by the members present.

Prospective members described their interest during a short public introduction. Lenore Robinson, who holds a doctorate in cultural and urban anthropology and runs a pet care service, said she applied because she is concerned about animal welfare and has experience building organizational ties and analyzing data. Marge Caldwell Wilson said the board will need clearly defined rules and guidelines before it can act and stressed she would collaborate with the health department and shelter staff to develop them.

Council members emphasized enforcement, training and partnerships. Councilwoman Figueroa Kettenberg said the board must know its duties and parameters; Councilman Harrison praised Marge Caldwell Wilson’s experience and urged the appointees to help the shelter “operate as other municipalities do.” Council members including Vice President Edwards and Councilwoman Williams also thanked the nominees for stepping forward.

The council recorded the vote with no abstentions. The administration indicated the board will work with the health department on enforcement, training, volunteer programs, low‑cost spay/neuter efforts and adoption expansion; a pending ordinance will set more formal rules for the board’s operations, officials said.