On Monday, December 16, the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee will consider Assembly Bill 4051, 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. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all dog owners to contact the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee to explain why A.4051, as introduced, is unsound public policy and should not be further considered.
BACKGROUND
Since 2012, animal activists have successfully advocated for local prohibitions on the retail sale of dogs and cats in approximately 150 cities and towns in New Jersey. These ordinances already apply to the vast majority of New Jersey residents, and have effectively eliminated the availability of state consumer protection laws for them. Similar legislation has also been aggressively pushed by activists during each of the past several legislative sessions.
IMPACTS
As introduced, A.4051 will negatively impact many individuals. It seeks to impose an expansive definition of pet dealer (any person engaged in the ordinary course of business in the sale of cats or dogs to the public for profit OR any person who sells or offers for sale more than five cats or dogs in one year) without substantively addressing its impacts, like:
- How the sale of puppies from one large litter would qualify someone as a pet dealer;
- Whether the definition would trigger local zoning issues for those described as a pet dealer; and
- How repealing New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act—which allows for consumer restitution if an animal they purchase becomes seriously ill or dies within 14 days after purchase and a veterinarian certifies that the animal as unfit for purchase—will negatively impact residents who would be forced to purchase a dog sourced from a shelter or rescue.
Additionally, because A.4051 would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at pet stores, the bill would likely put existing stores out of business because their sales would not be “grandfathered” under the bill. To survive, these small businesses would be forced to change their business model to selling the same pet foods and supplies stores that big-box and online retailers sell. However, big-box and online retailers are able to realize economies of scale that result in lower prices for customers in ways that small, independent retailers cannot. Unable to compete, these small businesses usually close.
LEARN MORE – AKC GR LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER RESOURCES
Consumer Protection Laws Protect the Public and Animals
Bans On Retail Pet Sales Fail to Protect Pets, Undermine Responsible Pet Choice
AKC Government Relations Legislative Action Center
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Dog owners, fanciers, and enthusiasts in New Jersey are strongly encouraged to contact the Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee to explain why A.4051 would harm New Jersey dog owners by eliminating consumer protections for pet purchasers and force retail stores that support their ownership out of business.
Assemblyman William W. Spearman, Chair
(856) 547-4800
Assemblyman Chris Tully, Vice-Chair
(201) 576-9199
Assemblyman Brian Bergen
(973) 539-8113
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia
(973) 300-0200
Assemblyman Robert J. Karabindchak
(732) 548-1406
Assemblywoman Andrea Katz
(609) 850-2397
Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis
(908) 679-8889
Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales
(973) 450-0484
Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park
(201) 308-7062
Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul, Esq.
(732) 695-3371
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie
(609) 758-0205
Assemblywoman Heather Simmons
(856) 226-3530
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org or (919) 816-3720.