Residents tell Woodbridge Council SeaQuest services risk public health and animal welfare

Jessica Mayer, an employee who identified herself as affiliated with Atlantic Hospital, and two residents — Nicole Paternoster of Avenel and Carrie Espuga of Seaside Park — delivered extended public comments at the Oct. 1 Woodbridge Township Council meeting alleging health and animal‑welfare violations at SeaQuest’s Woodbridge location.

Nicole Paternoster said, “Fish pedicures are illegal in the state of New Jersey,” and told the council that Woodbridge Municipal Code aligns with NJSA 45:5B‑3(j) on cosmetology and sanitation rules for foot spas. Paternoster described practices she said she observed on a recent visit: the same fish used for multiple customers, water that is not emptied between patrons, and no effective way to disinfect live fish between treatments, creating “a high risk of transmitting bacterial infections.”

Carrie Espuga summarized a set of complaints and alleged regulatory findings she said apply to the Woodbridge SeaQuest. She said the location has received “a 32‑page violation from New Jersey Fish and Wildlife” and that a separate complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission totaled 19 pages; she also alleged the existence of “34 incidents of bites” and described unsanitary floors and overcrowded enclosures. Espuga told council members a New Jersey Fish & Wildlife inspection occurred on Sept. 18 and that the inspection report was not yet available.

Jessica Mayer described viewing animals with limited staff oversight and expressed concern about the animals’ condition and guest safety during her visit.

Speakers urged the council to take “immediate action to stop these unsafe and illegal practices” and to prioritize the health of children and other vulnerable customers. Neither the mayor nor council members announced a formal enforcement action or vote at the meeting. Council officers thanked the speakers and proceeded with the agenda.

At the meeting, commenters repeatedly referenced two categories of authority: state statutes governing cosmetology and sanitation (NJSA 45:5B‑3(j) as cited by speakers) and local permitting rules (Woodbridge code 11‑8.1, cited by a commenter). Carrie Espuga questioned how a permit renewed in March 2024 could have been issued without a corresponding inspection; she told the council a New Jersey Fish & Wildlife inspection on Sept. 18 had been conducted but that the town did not yet have the written report.

The council did not take a motion, refer the matter on the record to a specific enforcement body, or announce an inspection timetable during the public meeting. The speakers’ allegations are recorded in the public‑comment portion of the Oct. 1 meeting and, according to the comments, at least one state inspection has occurred. Further action, including any municipal referral to the health department or follow‑up by Woodbridge staff, was not specified during the meeting.