Essex County expands trap‑neuter‑return program, approves $200,000 service agreement

Essex County commissioners voted to approve a not‑to‑exceed $200,000 professional services agreement to fund trap‑neuter‑vaccinate (TNR) services for 2025, expanding support for feral‑cat population control across the county.

The agreement, moved by Commissioner Mercado and seconded by Commissioner Murray Thomas, will fund three providers identified by county staff: Associated Humane Society, CPAL New Jersey and Wildflowers TNR. Terrence McCoy and other staff told commissioners the program has grown from a modest start and now serves larger caseloads.

Jennifer Chakey, who identified herself as founder/representative of Wildflowers TNR, told the board her group has partnered with a mobile veterinarian and has been increasing clinic throughput. "We did 34 cats at that van in January and 39 in February," Chakey said, describing a single‑van capacity of up to 48 surgeries. She also described a parallel program to assist low‑income pet owners obtain spay/neuter appointments through a state program and regional clinics.

County staff reported last year’s TNR efforts delivered about 1,127 sterilization services countywide, which staff estimated would prevent the birth of “more than 6,700” kittens over time. Commissioners and staff framed the expansion as a preventive, cost‑effective animal‑control measure and noted interest from several municipalities to participate.

The motion passed on a roll‑call vote. After the vote, President Palmeri thanked providers and encouraged wider municipal participation.

The county did not specify exact vendor contract amounts within the $200,000 aggregate in the meeting. A copy of the agreement and vendor allocations will be added to the public record when finalized.