Monmouth County SPCA Executive Director Appointed to New Jersey’s Domestic Companion Animal Council Amid Growing Statewide Shelter Crisis
The Monmouth County SPCA (MCSPCA) is proud to announce that Executive Director Ross Licitra has been officially appointed to New Jersey’s Domestic Companion Animal Council, a critical advisory body that helps shape animal welfare policy and supports key initiatives through the NJ Department of Health.
The Domestic Companion Animal Council plays a vital role in monitoring, reviewing, and making policy recommendations related to animal welfare across the state, such as animal control programs, humane law enforcement, animal sheltering, rabies control, and programs addressing pet overpopulation. The Council also advises on the expansion and accessibility of low-cost spay/neuter services and works on broad solutions to a range of animal welfare issues.
Licitra’s appointment, made by Governor Phil Murphy, comes at a pivotal time for animal welfare across the state. Licitra, a long-time advocate for animals and a recognized leader in New Jersey’s sheltering and rescue communities, was recommended jointly by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health. He brought significant change to Monmouth County SPCA operations beginning in 2015, including instituting animal control contracts with Monmouth County towns, expanding their veterinary hospital to a full-service facility that also serves owned animals, the largest TNR program in the state and a Humane Law Enforcement program that the NJ Attorney General cited as “the gold standard.” Licitra’s expertise and proven commitment to the humane treatment of animals will now help guide important legislative and programmatic decisions impacting companion animals throughout New Jersey.
Licitra’s appointment follows a significant meeting in March 2025, a multi-hour teleconference where senior officials, shelter leaders, and stakeholders in the animal welfare field discussed the growing crisis in New Jersey’s sheltering system. Key points of discussion were a lack of shelter space, underfunding, and a steep rise in abandoned or surrendered animals that have strained shelters to the breaking point.
“This appointment is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Licitra. “Our shelters are at a tipping point, and it’s more important than ever that we work together – state officials, advocates, and communities to craft sustainable, compassionate solutions.”
The MCSPCA and its leadership remain committed to advocating for animals across the state and look forward to contributing actionable strategies that will help ease the burden on shelters while improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.