Trenton NJ Animal Shelter Recruits Community After Eviction

Last week, Trenton Animals Rocks, an animal shelter, located at 72 Escher St, Trenton, NJ, lost its staffing after a city council voted 4-3 against renewing its vendor's contract.

Staffers were locked out of the shelter, leaving over a dozen animals without proper veterinary care. But thankfully things have changed since then!

Over the last few days, hundreds of supporters and members of the community rallied on their Facebook page and in person to pull the remaining cats and dogs from the shelter to be placed into foster care, according to NJ.com.

The fate of the shelter has been so hotly discussed among the Trenton community (and beyond) that now even Mayor Reed Gusciora, who has limited power in this case, has gotten on board to advocate for the state's intervention.

Since it's unlikely that the vote against renewing TAR's contract will be overridden, Executive Director Danielle Gletow says they are hoping for a declaration of public emergency:

“We were told that there can’t be an executive order issued by the mayor. Our hope now is the state,” she said. “I don’t know in what capacity. They can’t override a vote, but could they issue some sort of public emergency? This is a public health emergency.”

As of today (April 13), the fate of the shelter remains uncertain. But what's not uncertain is their resolve to demand answers, get the remaining animals the care they need, and to make sure the state does NOT turn it into a high-kill shelter again - the way it was before TAR took the reins in 2018.

If you want to help, donate, adopt, or foster keep checking back to updates on the Trenton Animals Rock Facebook page to stay in the know of what and who they need. Click HERE if you're interested in adopting.

Progress has been made, but there's still a ways to go. Let's hope this amazing shelter gets their facility back!

Best spots to pick your own NJ strawberries 2021

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: