Senate Economic Growth Committee to Hold Hearing on Bills to Promote Pet and Animal Welfare

TRENTON – The Senate Economic Growth Committee will discuss three bills on Monday, December 4 sponsored by Senator Brian Stack that are aimed at promoting the welfare of pets and animals.

The bills, which will be for “discussion only”, would address the rise in feral and stray cat populations, establish licensing and operating requirements for pet groomers to ensure they are qualified to safely handle pets, and combat inhumane pet breeders. The committee will meet at 10:30 AM in Committee Room 4, 1^st Floor, Statehouse Annex, Trenton, New Jersey.

“These bills are first and foremost intended to protect against the inhumane treatment of animals and pets,” said Senator Stack (D-Hudson). “As it stands, it is too easy to profit off of the careless or intentional mistreatment of animals. This package of legislation would combat those operations, control the growth of feral and stray cat populations, prevent the sale of certain animals in pet shops, and ensure that the groomers owners entrust with their pets are qualified. I welcome a lively, comprehensive discussion with animal welfare advocates, industry representatives, and members of the public during the hearing on Monday.”

The three bills are as follows:

·    S-179: Provides for spaying and neutering of stray or feral cats and establishes a fund for those purposes; designated as “Compassion for Community Cats Law.”

·    S-182: Requires licensing of pet groomers and registration of certain other businesses; establishes certain licensing and operating requirements.

·    S-4079: Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; repeals “Pet Purchase Protection Act.”