Justice Rescue to set up headquarters in Trainer
TRAINER >> In a 6-1 vote, borough council approved the exclusive use of the borough community center by Justice Rescue. Councilman Joseph Maher cast the lone vote of opposition.
The well-known animal rights organization has been in operation since 2011 and is responsible for rescuing and rehabilitating thousands of dogs and cats.
The group’s co-founder, Russ “Wolf” Harper, was on hand at last week’s council meeting to present a proposal that, with the exception of a few, was greeted with approval and applause.
“I hope this gets approved,” said one resident. “It’s time we try something new here in Trainer.”
Harper said the group has been working in Trainer for more than a year, and has an excellent rapport with the borough police department.
“We have been proactive in the community,” Harper said. “Just recently we conducted a hoarding raid and ended up getting two dogs and six cats and all of them went to our location center were they were rehabilitated and adopted to good homes.”
Prior to Justice Rescue coming to Trainer, the borough employed the services of a private animal-control facility that is not related to law enforcement.
Harper said he viewed all Trainer animal control, including licenses and expenses, and came to the conclusion that Justice Rescue is able to reduce costs for the borough.
Harper said the community center will be home to a pilot program run exclusively by Justice Rescue. There will be a variety of programs such as animal adoptions, low-cost vaccinations, anti-bullying discussions, parties, holiday events, bingo, cook-offs, painting nights, karaoke, arts and crafts days, poker night, and much more.
“We want develop a pilot program here in Trainer that other communities can eventually have,” Harper said. “We want to help animals and kids.”
Harper added that once under Justice Rescue jurisdiction, the community center will not be open to the public, but only for Justice Rescue-sanctioned events.
“It can’t be a walk-in center due to insurance and liability reasons,” Harper said. “We are a police agency and cannot have people coming in and out without supervision.”
Justice Rescue runs its main shelter in Spring City, Pa. In addition to activities, the community center facility will be used to house strays for a period of time and will be staffed by trained Justice Rescue personnel.
Harper said the borough will pay for utilities, but will not be charged for animal control, which has proven pricey for many communities.
A few residents did speak out against the program.
Resident Marilyn Maher, who has been involved with the borough recreation committee for many years, expressed concern that the community center would be exclusive to Justice Rescue.
“We always do lunch with Santa there,” Maher said. “I am certainly not against what you do, but my main objection is to the exclusivity of this. The community center is also used as our polling place for elections.”
Harper said Justice Rescue is most happy to be part of what the recreation committee does for the community, adding that the number of events will increase.
Resident Kim Sherman, who resides near the community center, is in favor of the Justice Rescue proposal, suggesting the recreation committee parties be held at the municipal building.
“This (municipal building) is big enough for you to use and as of now, the community center is not attracting enough people,” Sherman said. “I think this Justice Rescue plan is a great idea.”
During the meeting, members of council said they are planning to construct a new community center within the next 18 months.
“At the end of the day, we would like to develop a program that will be positive for your community,” Harper said. “And, we need to work together.”