The Town of Newton Animal Control provides animal control services to the residents of Newton and several surrounding municipalities through shared services agreements. These agreements allow participating towns to receive professional and consistent animal control coverage in a cost-effective manner while ensuring compliance with New Jersey statutes and local ordinances.
Animal Control Officers are responsible for responding to calls involving stray injured aggressive or dangerous animals, enforcing animal related ordinances, assisting with wildlife related complaints when appropriate, and coordinating with shelters veterinarians and rescue organizations. The Animal Control Division plays a critical role in protecting public safety and maintaining community quality of life.
Oversight by the Newton Police Department
Animal Control operates under the oversight of the Newton Police Department. The Police Department provides administrative supervision, guidance, and support to ensure Animal Control operations comply with state law, best practices, and departmental policies. This oversight ensures accountability, proper training, coordination with patrol operations, and a unified response when animal-related incidents intersect with public safety or criminal matters.
The close working relationship between Animal Control and the Police Department allows for efficient communication, enhanced officer safety, and a seamless transition when incidents escalate beyond ordinance-level enforcement.
Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO)
A Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) is a law enforcement officer certified by the New Jersey Department of Health to investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws under Title 4 of the New Jersey Statutes. HLEOs are authorized to conduct criminal investigations involving animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, abandonment, and other violations of state animal-related criminal statutes. Sgt. Russell Post serves as the primary HLEO for the Newton Police Department.
Criminal Investigations and Joint Enforcement
When an Animal Control Officer encounters a situation that rises to the level of a criminal offense, such as animal cruelty, severe neglect, abuse, or other violations requiring criminal enforcement, the matter is investigated jointly by the Humane Law Enforcement Officer and the Animal Control Officer under the supervision of the Newton Police Department.
In these cases, the HLEO assumes responsibility for the criminal investigation, including evidence collection, witness interviews, charging decisions, and coordination with the Prosecutor’s Office. The Animal Control Officer provides technical expertise, scene assistance, animal handling, and coordination for care or placement of animals as needed. This coordinated approach ensures criminal matters are handled appropriately while maintaining public safety and operational continuity across all serviced municipalities.