This proposed legislation is going before the Economic Growth Committee at 10 am
on Monday, May 14th, Room #1 in the StateHouse Annex in Trenton, NJ.
We need your help to OPPOSE NJ Senate bill 1026 which requires all cats and dogs
released from pounds and shelters be sterilized with certain exceptions, and
establishes penalty for noncompliance.
The bill provides exemptions but the definitions of these terms are inadequate
to protect the right to own and breed dogs responsibly without undue
governmental interference. If approved, this proposal will violate the
Constitutional rights of New Jersey dog owners. For a copy of the bill:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/S1500/1026_I1.HTM
Points to Consider:
a.. Mandatory spay/neuter is an ineffective solution to animal control
problems because it fails to address the heart of the issue - irresponsible
ownership. Mandatory spay/neuter laws are extremely difficult to enforce and can
be evaded by irresponsible animal owners by not licensing their pets. More
regulations increase the workload of already financially strained animal control
offices, making it even more difficult for them to perform their duties.
b.. Spay/neuter requirements target all owners regardless of their actions and
would restrict the many responsible breeders who raise and breed purebred dogs
for their enjoyment of the sport. These breeders make a serious commitment to
their animals with the intention of promoting the sport of purebred dogs and
improving the individual breeds.
c.. Strongly enforced animal control laws (such as leash laws), and increased
public education efforts are better ways to address the issue of irresponsible
dog ownership. A public education campaign would help teach community residents
about how to properly care for their pets, as well as the need to be a
responsible pet owner.
d.. If your retired show dog, for example, jumps the fence and ends up in the
shelter, you can only reclaim him without neutering by providing evidence that
the dog is AKC registered and has been "shown" within the past 12 months. Never
mind that he's a valuable stud dog. Consider that Agility dogs are not allowed
to compete until 15 months of age.
ACT NOW!
NJ Residents: Immediately contact your state representative. Urge them to
OPPOSE S1026 in its present form and to enforce leash laws and promote
responsible dog ownership. Go to
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp to find the names, emails and
office telephone numbers of your state representatives.
