New Jersey Passes Law Requiring Pet Stores to Only Sell Rescue Animals

The bill aims to crack down on the cruel industry of puppy mills.

Earlier this year, New Jersey’s Senate passed a monumental bill requiring only dogs and cats obtained from shelters and animal rescue organizations to be sold in pet stores. The measure – which was a revision of the New Jersey Pet Protection act – went into effect January 12, 2016, and was passed to help crack down on the cruel industry of puppy mills.

According to The Humane Society, there are approximately 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S. which produce more than 2.4 million dogs a year. Less than 3,000 of those mills are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; in result, the animals are often treated cruelly. It’s worth mentioning that the industry is also cruel because it prevents the 3.9 million dogs who enter shelters each year from being adopted; approximately 1.2 million are euthanized annually.

After the bill passed, Senator Raymon Lesniak – who introduced the revision to the measure – commented:

“These puppy mills have gained a notorious reputation for putting profits ahead of the humane treatment of dogs and cats. Their mass breeding has created inbred health and behavioral problems and the inhumane conditions have left too many of these pets to suffer from neglect and mistreatment.”

Those who opposed the legislature argued that the bill would make it difficult for new pet stores to open. Representatives of the pet industry also said it would limit consumer choices, making it challenging for prospective owners to find a furry friend they desire. Considering millions of animals are in shelters across the U.S., eagerly awaiting the chance to be adopted, we don’t think this is really an issue. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

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