On Wednesday, September 28, the Township Council of Montclair, New Jersey, will consider Ordinance O-22-26, which seeks to prohibit the retail sales of dog or cats sourced from breeders by pet stores and boarding kennels. It would permit pet stores to provide space to animal rescues and shelters to display dogs and cats available for adoption. The proposal also seeks to abolish licensing for pet shops.
This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for Montclair-area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle. Retail pet sales bans and restrictions limit consumer protections and choice, while doing nothing to actually help dogs. A better solution is to consider broad consumer protection and cruelty laws that hold all accountable who sell or transport dogs and continuing to allow pet stores to source from all humane sources, including from licensed breeders. Commercial breeders in and around New Jersey are already regulated by the USDA, and are required to follow all applicable state and federal animal welfare laws.
For more talking points on this issue and information on AKC’s position, visit our key issue page on Pet Choice.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Concerned Montclair residents are strongly encouraged to contact Mayor Spiller and members of Township Council and respectfully urge they do not approve sourcing restrictions for retail establishments. All officials may be reached by phone at 973-744-1400.
Mayor Sean M. Spiller
Email: sspiller@montclairnjusa.org
Deputy Mayor/Councilor William Hurlock – 1st Ward
Email: whurlock@montclairnjusa.org
Councilor Robert J. Russo – At-large
Email: rrusso@montclairnjusa.org
Councilor Peter Yacobellis – At-large
Email: pyacobellis@montclairnjusa.org
Councilor Robin Schlager – 2nd Ward
Email: rschlager@montclairnjusa.org
Councilor Lori Price Abrams – 3rd Ward
Email: lpriceabrams@montclairnjusa.org
Councilor David Cummings – 4th Ward
Email: dcummings@montclairnjusa.org
Regular Council Meetings are broadcast live on the Montclair TV34 YouTube channel.
Residents are also strongly encouraged to attend the Wednesday, September 28 meeting of the Township Council and express concerns about the proposal. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7PM at the Municipal Building Council Chambers, 205 Claremont Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey, 07042. All speakers must complete the sign-in sheet next to the podium before addressing the Council. Please limit your comment to three minutes.
AKC Government Relations (GR) will provide updates on Montclair and all dog-related legislation in New Jersey as developments warrant. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.