“These are wonderful creatures and they’re looking for homes,” says Mayor Nicholas Sacco in a video posted on the township’s Facebook page, holding a black and brown puppy. “Any child would make a great companion.”
Sacco, who is also a state Senator, taped the video below at the Bergen County Protect & Rescue Foundation which is located in Cliffside Park, the shelter where the animals were taken after being discovered Wednesday in the small brick house on Hillcrest Avenue.
A total of 49 dogs and cats were removed still alive, though another 11 cats and one dog were found dead inside the home. Among the survivors, 17 were puppies and three were kittens, according to the township.
The person last occupying the house was identified by the township as Juan Perez, a tenant whose whereabouts were not immediately known at the time of the rescue.
A spokesman for North Bergen, Paul Swibinski, said Thursday that a warrant was out for his arrest on multiple counts of animal cruelty.
Sacco visited the shelter housing his fuzzy constituents along with the township’s animal control officer, Geoff Santini.
People who are interested in adopting the abandoned animals can call the North Bergen Township Health Department at 201-392-2085, or the rescue foundation, at 201-945-0649.
A wonderful and admirable gesture made by Mayor Nicholas Sacco, indeed. If only all politicians were this willing to stand up and advocate for animals in need!