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Associated Humane Societies thanks Camden County for support on puppy-mill legislation; commissioners offer condolences and parks, health updates
Summary
Brian Hackett of Associated Humane Societies thanked the Camden County Board for backing state legislation he identified as Senate Bill 2511 and Assembly Bill 4051 to curb puppy-mill sales; commissioners responded with condolences for former Mayor Bernie Platt and updates on parks projects, farmers markets, flu clinics and West Nile cases.
Brian Hackett, director of government and community relations for Associated Humane Societies, addressed the board during public comment to thank commissioners for a county resolution in support of state legislation he identified as Senate Bill 25 11 and Assembly Bill 40 51 to regulate pet sourcing and restrict sales from what he described as "puppy mills." Hackett said the bills have substantial cosponsorship and that Camden County's resolution adds momentum in the Legislature.
Commissioner Nash thanked Hackett for his advocacy, recounted Camden County's earlier leadership on prohibiting sales of puppy-mill animals (referencing a county initiative dating to 2015), and praised county parks staff for the condition of park facilities and ongoing projects including a Cooper River Park softball-field ribbon cutting and an upcoming skateboard-park groundbreaking. Nash noted roughly 60 parks projects at various stages.
Commissioner Young highlighted the newly launched farmers market (Thursdays, 39 pm through October at Bridal Oaks Nursery), an educational backyard-composting series in partnership with the Office of Environmental Affairs (locations in Camden, Cherry Hill and Gloucester Township), youth programming at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, and a grape harvest partnership with Saddle Hill involving the county's sustainability campus.
Commissioner Betteridge announced the county's trivalent flu vaccine kickoff (Oct. 9 at the Forum in Blackwood), summarized a recent school-age immunization event that provided "a couple hundred" immunizations and related wraparound services, and reported two confirmed West Nile virus cases plus several probable cases, urging residents to reduce standing water and consider repellents.
Several commissioners opened the meeting with condolences for the late Bernie Platt, a former mayor and county official; the board noted a county-prepared condolence resolution and public remembrance events for 9/11. Deputy Director McDonald and other commissioners offered praise to county staff and park employees.
What's next: The county will post the full roll-call minutes and continue to host scheduled public-health and sustainability events; any legislative progress on the state bills Hackett mentioned will take place in the New Jersey Legislature.
