LEGISLATION REPORT

By Joan Tabor  

New Jersey State Legislation

NJ A2324

Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, District 1 (Cape may, Atlantic and Cumberland); Assemblyman Frederick Scalera, District 36 (Bergen, Essex and Passaic); Assemblyman Louis Manzo, District 31 (Hudson)

Introduced:  2/19/04

Location:  Assembly Agriculture Committee

A2324 was originally concerned with overcrowding of animals in kennels and pet shops.

Unfortunately it was recently amended in committee to require anyone who sells, or intends to sell, ten or more animals per year, to register with their municipality, for which they may be required to pay a fee.  Registrants will be subject to regulations established by each municipality.  These regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the square footage requirements per dog of any space or container in which the dog is to be housed.

The AKC and the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs oppose this Bill as amended.

·     It is not consistent with the Federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) that requires the licensing of commercial dog breeders, but specifically exempts hobby breeders.

·     It will create an unnecessary burden on municipalities that struggle to enforce licensing and leash laws.

·     It is will create a logistical nightmare for law enforcement. 

·     The law will be applied in an uneven, or capricious manner, because it is impractical to think that all who come under this law will register. 

·     It could increase the cost of pet ownership, as the licensing fee is passed along in the purchase price of the animal.

·     It fails to define “reasonable” and can create gross inequities.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

·     Contact your Assemblyman.  Urge him/her to oppose A2324.

·     Contact the Bill sponsors and tell them New Jersey Dog Owners oppose A2324.

·     Be sure to tell them that hobby breeders share their concern about overcrowding, as well as proper care, housing and ownership of animals.  We work hard to socialize our animals before they are placed in loving homes.  A2324 is a disservice to New Jersey residents in its present form.

LOCAL LEGISLATION

It has just been brought to the attention of the NJ Federation of Dog Clubs that the Borough of Wanaque recently voted to add the term “guardian” to its animal control code.  In addition, the ordinance set penalties of up to $500 and 90 days in jail for keeping more than three dogs or cats, six horses or other farm animals, or 10 chickens or other fowl.  This “guardian law” is said to be the brainchild of Bruce Zeman.  He believes that the semantic change will influence the type of care children give their pets; they’ll be less likely to abandon animals.  The hope of animal right activists is to change ordinances in the town of  Ringwood next. 

Pay attention to legal notices in your local newspapers.  It is easier to stop proposed changes to laws before they are passed. Animal Rights groups like to pick the summertime for legislative changes, as they know that most people are busy with vacation plans and other activities at that time and are less likely to take notice of the proposals.