Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) has introduced legislation to ban the leasing of domestic companion animals to address a deceptive business practice that has recently come under scrutiny.

“Pets are an integral part of the American family, and they shouldn’t be leased like a car or cell phone,” Corrado said. “It’s disturbing that people are being misled into believing they’re purchasing a high-end breed with the promise of affordable monthly payment plans, not realizing they’re actually signing a two or three-year lease that could result in their pet being repossessed. This deceptive practice of renting-to-own puppies employed by shady pet brokers is cruel and must be stopped in New Jersey.”

Corrado’s legislation, S-2558, follows news reports of consumers being scammed into leasing house pets at a high interest rate, sometimes doubling the animal’s original cost.

Leasing a pet involves paying monthly instalments with the option to buy the animal at the end of the lease. Pets could be repossessed at any time and may be denied medical care. If the animal is stolen, runs away, or passes away, the lessee may still be on the hook for payments.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is against domestic animal leasing. Other states have prohibited this practice.

“Our family dogs and cats should not be financed,” Corrado added. “This disreputable, predatory, and deceptive practice should not be tolerated in New Jersey.”