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Residents press Woodbridge council for SeaQuest meeting over alleged animal-welfare and health violations
Summary
Multiple residents urged Woodbridge officials to convene a meeting on SeaQuest at the Woodbridge Center Mall, citing dozens of citations, alleged animal neglect and public-health risks from 'fish pedicures'; town staff said jurisdiction for animals lies with state agencies and agreed to meet with petitioners.
Multiple residents urged the Woodbridge Township Council to investigate SeaQuest at Woodbridge Center Mall, presenting citations and alleging animal-handling failures and public-health risks.
"We are requesting a face to face meeting with the members of this council," Jessica Mayer said, describing ongoing protests and reporting that SeaQuest locations have been cited repeatedly and that the town faces a reputational risk. Carrie Espuga cited reporting that SeaQuest locations have received more than 80 citations over five years and said New Jersey Fish and Wildlife produced a 32-page violation report noting bites and inadequate animal handling; she said veterinary records were incomplete for many exotic animals.
Speakers raised specific health concerns about fish pedicures, which they said carry risks of bacterial and fungal infections and are illegal in New Jersey salons. Nicole Paternoster urged council members not to dismiss the concerns as a "gimmick," arguing that the practice and its sanitation pose a risk to children and vulnerable residents.
Town staff responded that the municipal health department can inspect food concessions but that animal oversight resides with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture. The state Office of Cosmetology informed petitioners it does not license SeaQuest facilities, the council said. Council members agreed to follow up, and at least one member offered to meet and to form a committee to review the petitioners’ materials.
Council members did not announce a formal enforcement action; petitioners were told staff would continue referrals to state agencies and would schedule the requested meeting.
