VINELAND, N.J. (WPVI) — A contract dispute has left the city of Vineland without a dedicated animal shelter after Associated Humane Societies South suspended services this week, according to statements from both the nonprofit organization and city officials.
Closed signs were posted on the doors of the shelter on Thursday, though staff members were seen going in and out of the building throughout the day.
“It was clean. The animals there were well kept. Staff was nice. But again – nowadays you have to look at the bottom line,” said Ken McGill of Mauricetown, who has taken strays to the shelter in the past.
Associated Humane Societies South, based in Vineland, suspended services as of April 1, according to a statement published online. The nonprofit operates several animal shelters across New Jersey.
In its statement, the organization cited a breakdown in contract negotiations with the city.
“The City of Vineland has not signed a contract to renew Associated Humane Societies’ provision of animal sheltering and animal control services for 2026 despite the passage of deadlines,” the statement said.
City officials disputed that characterization, saying the delay stemmed from concerns about the shelter’s operations. According to the city, those concerns included billing, intake practices and licensing issues.
A city spokesperson said the city council approved two recent resolutions aimed at continuing the relationship with the shelter despite those concerns.
“Council reluctantly passed a second resolution to execute the contract due to the lack of alternatives, but that was also refused. The City was subsequently notified that the offer to provide animal sheltering services had been rescinded,” the spokesperson told Action News.
Associated Humane Societies South said it would attempt to help individual residents on a case-by-case basis, noting that it must still meet contractual commitments in other Cumberland County communities.
The situation has unsettled local residents and animal advocates.
“It’s terrible. Honestly. It sucks for all the animals around here,” said Katelyn Parsons of Leesburg.
Attempts to reach Associated Humane Societies South for additional comment were unsuccessful. Staff at the Vineland shelter referred questions to officials in North Jersey.
City officials said residents who encounter a stray or injured animal should contact an animal control officer, adding that a temporary alternate shelter arrangement is currently in place.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.