On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Senate Economic Growth Committee approved S. 2511, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchases and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops (see previous alert). This marks significant movement in the Legislature toward eliminating consumer choice in obtaining companion animals in New Jersey.
Additionally, on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Assembly Committee on Children, Families and Food Security will hold a hearing on A. 4051, the companion bill to S. 2511. A. 4051 was originally to be heard by the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture on December 16, 2024 (see previous alert) but was not voted out of Committee. Nevertheless, A. 4051 was recently reassigned to a new committee due to pressure from activists to forward this controversial legislation near the end of the two-year legislative session.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Like its companion S. 2511, A. 4051 would:
- Eliminate the Pet Purchase Protection Act — removing statutory consumer safeguards for purchasers of cats, dogs, and rabbits from pet shops.
- Ban pet shop retail sales of these animals statewide, effectively eliminating this regulated source of pets.
- By completely eliminating this regulated source of pets, New Jersey consumers will be unnecessarily restricted from being able to choose a dog that is the right fit for their lifestyle and family.
- Result in unnecessary elimination of small pet shop businesses.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ADDRESS A. 4051
Dog owners, fanciers, and enthusiasts in New Jersey are encouraged to attend the Assembly Committee on Children, Families, and Food Security hearing on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 9, 3rd Floor State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey, to offer testimony or submit a slip to the Committee in opposition.
New Jersey residents are also strongly encouraged to contact the members of the Assembly Committee on Children, Families, and Food Security to urge opposition to A. 4051 and explain why eliminating consumer protections for pet purchasers and forcing retail stores that support pet owners to go out of business, both consequences of A. 4051, would ultimately harm New Jersey dog owners.
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND FOOD SECURITY – CONTACT INFORMATION:
Asw. Shama A. Haider – Chair Asm. William Spearman – Vice Chair
AswHaider@njleg.org AsmSpearman@njleg.org
(201) 308-7061 (856) 853-2960
Asw. Alixon Collazos-Gill Asw. Aura K. Dunn
AswCollazos-Gill@njleg.org AswDunn@njleg.org
(973) 509-0388 (973) 206-1876
Asm. Paul Kanitra Asm. Balvir Singh
AsmKanitra@njleg.org AsmSingh@njleg.org
(732) 840-9028 (609) 847-3905
WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT S. 2511
New Jersey residents are also strongly encouraged to contact members of the New Jersey Senate to urge opposition to S. 2511 and explain why eliminating consumer protections for pet purchasers and forcing retail stores that support pet owners to go out of business, both consequences of S. 2511, would ultimately harm New Jersey dog owners.
To share your comments about S. 2511 with members of the New Jersey Senate, click here to access the roster and click the appropriate link next to each member’s name.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org or (919) 816-3720.