Hello Paul….I had a not-so-pleasant experience yesterday from which myself and a few neighbors learned some valuable information. I thought I would pass it on in case you would like to inform the Blogfinger community.
A squirrel was caught in a trap that was installed on the roof of my neighbors home…. for 5 1/2 hours in the heat, without water. These particular neighbors were not there because they are part timers and live out of state. They were contacted and horrified to learn that this animal was suffering. It is the responsibility of the pest control company to come by once or twice a day to check on these traps.
I called the police to ask for help. An officer came over to my house and said that he really didn’t know what the laws were in regards to wildlife cruelty. Well, I had him look into it and we both learned a lot! He was able to contact Sergent William Hyer, an animal policeman from the Monmouth County S.P.C.A. of Eatontown (732-542-0040). This wonderful, devoted officer came right out and made sure that those traps were confiscated and the pest control company was slapped with a major fine. Unfortunately, I don’t think the squirrel survived. 
He said that many people don’t realize that this is a felony…as it should be. I understand that squirrels, birds, racoons and other creatures can be pests. I have spent thousands of dollars repairing my own roof in order to keep these critters out, but I do not want to see them treated inhumanely. I’m sure that there are many animal lovers (and likers) that would agree.
MARYLOU SHIPMAN
Ocean Grove, NJ August 28, 2014.
You did the right thing, and I’m sorry you and the squirrel had to go thru that. I think the homeowner should also get a felony animal abuse ticket. Animals were on the earth before humans, and humans need to respect that.
Thank you Miss Lisa…I know you love the critters too!
Rich…I must say it again…my part time neighbors did NOT know this was happening or they certainly would have prevented it. They have never dealt with this problem and were trusting the company to do the right thing by law.
I knew this already and have informed many of my neighbors about it. I have also told two different companies not to set traps unless they plan on coming back to get the animals out immediately. Who was the company? I bet it is one I complained about already!
People in Ocean Grove feed the squirrels—-matter of fact, squirrels will come right up to people. So if you do not like animals around make sure they can’t get into your home. And If that is not good enough, then don’t live in Ocean Grove.
It is just the nature of the way things are here. I have learned to live with all kinds of creatures around here—in harmony!
Thank you, MaryLou! You are a wonderful neighbor and a wonderful advocate for animals!
I do not live in the Grove and as many with visits have sat in the Park on a bench amongst the tree’s. We all know there are tons of Squirrels doing there thing to survive. Did this part timer actually think they make a dent in the population of these animals? It is recommended that the human population not feed them and certainly should not make them suffer by trapping them in a town that would do very little to thin them out.