12/09/2024
"Animals have no voice. They can’t ask for help. They can’t ask for freedom. They can’t ask for protection. Humanity must be their voice.” (AD Williams)
This GoFundMe is to ask you to join us in using our collective voices to fight wrongful accusations against Animal Control Officer (ACO) Carolyn Murphy who dedicates her life to helping people, animals, and doing what is right. See the last paragraph as to how you can help.
On April 11th, 2024 ACO Murphy responded to a traffic stop in Alexandria Township, Hunterdon County, NJ. While the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody on outstanding felony warrants, ACO Murphy responded to the call at the request of the Frenchtown Borough Police Department. ACO Murphy took custody of an American Bully/PitBull puppy that was found in a small cage in the transport vehicle. Her ears had been cut off with what appeared to be scissors or a sharp knife. The puppy received immediate veterinary care where she remained for the required hold per NJ law. During the required hold period ACO Murphy conducted a thorough investigation where several attempts were made to locate the owner. Not being able to establish an owner by the standards of NJ law, the puppy was transferred to Pura Vida Animal Rescue Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit located in Ringoes NJ where the puppy received full veterinary care and was placed for adoption.
Since the incident, ACO Murphy has been the subject of harassment, demand letters, emails, etc. stating the dog should be returned regardless of the owner to avoid litigation, served subpoenas at Pura Vida Animal Rescue Inc, the non-profit, endured false accusations, as well as wrongful termination - all by Frenchtown Borough.
ACO Carolyn Murphys’s life has been well defined and transparent when it comes to animal welfare and the career path she has chosen to help animals in need, both as an Animal Control Officer as well as the founder of Pura Vida Animal Rescue Inc., a 501c3 non-profit started in February 2020. Pura Vida offers affordable health and wellness veterinary care, as well as the adoption of domestic animals. In addition, Pura Vida assists women with their pets who are fleeing from domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
ACO Murphy is well known throughout Hunterdon, Mercer, and Bucks County, and beyond with shelters, rescue organizations, other animal control officers, residents, vet offices, animal welfare advocates etc. as a dedicated Animal Control Officer and animal advocate. ACO Murphy prides herself on knowing, understanding in-depth, and upholding the laws and best practices of NJ pertaining to animal welfare.
ACO Murphy has done nothing more than fulfill her statutory obligation as an animal control officer and will continue to do so without prejudice, influence, or intimidation.
These various actions by Frenchtown Borough and the Hunterdon County Prosecutors office have resulted in ACO Murphy having to seek council not only in her position as an animal control officer but also has had to obtain council for Pura Vida Animal Rescue Inc, the nonprofit organization.
Since the incident, acting in her official capacity, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's office released a joint statement with the Frenchtown Borough Police filing criminal charges against ACO Murphy for theft and misconduct.
The next court appearance is Monday, December 9th, 2024 at 9am
Hunterdon County Superior Court at 65 Park Ave., Flemington, NJ 08822. Please attend to show your support if you can.
ACO Murphy’s legal expenses are great - please consider a contribution to help with this burden and to fight to be the voice of animals who have none. All contributions will go directly to legal fees - any remaining funding would be donated to Pura Vida Animal Rescue Inc. 501c3.
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Public & Government Service