New Animal Shelter manager in Trenton is condemned to make a positive change (La Parker column) – Trentonian

The newly appointed manager for the problematic animal shelter in Trenton expressed confidence that it could make a positive change, regardless of obstacles.

Erika Melton did not express concern about the “names” queue to prevent her from taking the position of the top dog for the Escher St. facility. The former dog’s behavior for an animal shelter in Trenton promises to diligence and to remain focused, knowing that the offenders have been arranged to destroy the damage with their appointment.

Melton, a resident of Bordentown, installed last week, failed to check in several flights on residence, experience, and only recently enrolled in the classes to obtain a license to control animals issued by the Ministry of Health in New Jersey. Melton won a previous history of a shelter working with Trenton Animals Rock (TAR), a non -profit target, previously charged with managing the city shelter.

“I expect to have my ACO license in a few weeks,” Melton assured, although there is no way for her to meet a key requirement. State legislation insists that animal shelter managers have five years of experience in care, animal worship and nutrition in an animal control program, animal hospital, animal shelter or pound, pet store or animal breeder, two, two of which they will have they were in a supervisory capacity.

“I submitted a resume, like everyone else and (city authorities) felt different about hiring,” Melton explained. Dr. Diego Mutakapeli, director of health and human services, suggested in Melton a position. The dog analyst said it was secondary and estimates that it is typing Trenton’s behavior, although it promises not to be distracted.

Two urban guards expressed problems with hiring, believing that urban authorities were circumventing state legislation, although it remains unclear how Trenton’s employees intend to allow Melton to remain in their new role, even temporarily.

“The Trenton city must ensure that it has carried out a proper check on hiring Eric Melton as a shelter manager. The requirements of the New Jersey Civil Service Commission have a minimum of five years of experience in animal care, with two in a supervisory role, “said Terry Pafer, a defender of an animal companion with multiple fights led by Melton.

Melton has admitted that there is bad blood with Peifer who has begun these accusations.

– Giu Melton has a past history so as not to comply with local and state laws regarding the licensing of dogs in her property in Bordown. Whether it was a supervision or neglect of regulations, it raises concerns about its ability to apply the observance of the shelter manager with local and state laws, “Pafer wrote by email.

“Terry initiated a complaint that I said I was managing my property as a shelter. The Ministry of Health Haas has been here repeatedly. There has never been a quotation. I have never been accused or found guilty of nothing, “Melton replied.

Michael Wound, Community observer and co -founder of Trenton Orbit, a website engaged in an open -ended government discussion, has contacted members of the City Council.

“(Melton) meets any of the requirements for civil service, does not meet even the most basic qualifications, as stated below, and is not even a resident of Trenton. She lives in Burlington “and has had many complaints about her house because of animal stocking,” wounded wound, continuing Pafer’s story.

Wound introduced Kasana Green in the dog shelter plot in the city. Green, an urban employee of human law enforcement, seems more suitable for a TAS manager, according to wound and others familiar with questions related to shelter operations.

In the wound, “the administration passed on a perfectly qualified Trenton resident (nevertheless a black woman) in favor of a white, non -resident woman who owns none of the necessary qualifications.

“The Trenton resident they passed for was already paid without right to be the temporary shelter manager and did a fantastic job on all bills. I even believe they have hired this new manager while the refined employee was on vacation. “

Green had taken a break for medical reasons, but returned. Melton has promised to move forward while exposing some serious concerns, including a shelter that currently owns 65 dogs in a facility built for 20.

“There will always be challenges,” Melton reasoned.

“People here should not love each other. Not all of us have to be the best friends. But to do things, we have to work together. I’ll save a dog with anyone. “