REPORT OF THE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE

Legislative Report
May 2007

      By Joan Tabor and Catherine Newsom 

 THE NEW JERSEY STATE LEGISLATION:

 S1026 requires sterilization of all dogs and cats released from shelters.  This bill contains the same language as A1827, whose primary sponsor is Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein. The bill provides exemptions but the definitions of these terms are inadequate to protect the right to own and breed dogs responsibly without
undue governmental interference. If approved, this proposal will violate the Constitutional rights of New Jersey dog owners. On May 14, 2007, this bill was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Check the committee schedule to determine when it will be heard.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/S1500/1026_I1.HTM

 A2773/S1705: Establishes animal cruelty offenses pertaining to chaining or other restraint of animals, including tethering, and crating. 

Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and introduced and referred to the Senate Economic Growth Committee              

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/

S801 "Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Licensing Act" - authorizes municipalities to require a license for a person to own, keep or harbor a pit bull.  htp://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/S1000/801_I1.HTM

The Dog Fancy is opposed to breed specific legislation and is deeply concerned about the unfair burden this bill would place on responsible dog owners, animal shelters and municipalities while not producing the affect desired by the bill’s author. This bill was referred to the Senate Economic Growth committee in January 06. We encourage you to write to Senator Sharpe James and your local representatives.  For contact information to Senator Sharpe James, go to:  http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/james.asp

For more information on breed specific bills go to this link:

http://www.awfnj.org/assets/cms/breed_specific_laws.pdf

A2820/S2102 concerns homeowners insurance with respect to dogs. The Legislative statement for this bill says “This bill, as amended, provides that: 1) an insurer shall not deny, cancel, or non-renew a homeowners insurance policy solely on the basis of the type or specific breed of dog harbored upon the insured property; 2) notwithstanding this prohibition, an insurer may offer or issue a policy which contains an exclusion against covering any liability for a dog, or on the basis of the type or specific breed of dog, harbored upon the insured property; and 3) whenever an insurer offers or issues a policy, or rider, endorsement, or other amendment to the policy, which includes liability or other coverage for a dog, nothing within the bill shall prohibit the use of underwriting guidelines, risk classifications, or other rules of any rating-system which establish rates and premiums for that coverage on the basis of the type or specific breed of dog harbored upon the property.”

It was passed by the Assembly in June 2006 and reported from the Senate Committee February 2007. The primary sponsors in the Assembly are: Neil Cohen, Vincent Prieto, Jeff Van Drew, Douglas Fisher, Upendra Chivukula and Jack Conners. Senator Nia Gill is the primary sponsor in the Senate.  This bill needs the support of every dog owner.  Please write to the sponsors and urge them to pass this bill.

A2649 The Animal Cruelty Bill. Recodifies Title 4 criminal animal cruelty offenses in State criminal code; increases level of certain offenses and crimes; establishes new offenses; revises civil penalties; repeals various sections of law; designated as Angel's Law.  1/29/2007 Assembly Floor Amendment Passed.

2/22/2007 Assembly Floor Amendment Passed. We have worked with the Primary Sponsor and we are currently awaiting status update.  Primary bill sponsor, Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, can be reached at: 609-465-0700, 856-293-8353 and 856-696-7109.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/A3000/2649_R1.PDF

*A2649 is likely coming up for a vote in the Senate shortly. The current version is ambiguous. There are confusing notification requirements of individuals whose animals are impounded, the extension of current holding periods, and exceptions allowing for early euthanasia of stray animals.

A4217.  Authorizes civil action for certain damages when a pet animal becomes ill, is injured, or dies from consuming or coming into contact with adulterated pet food. This bill was introduced on May 14, 2007. Its primary sponsors are Assemblyman Neil Cohen and Assemblyman Douglas Fisher.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/

To find your state legislators, go to

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/legsearch.asp or http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp

To find your US congressional representatives, go to:

http://action.fund.org/directory

Also: The NAIA Trust has provided two email sites where you may express your opinions to your congressmen.

http://tinyurl.com/yro26w

http://capwiz.com/naiatrust/issues/alert/?alertid=9747906&type=ML&show_alert

LOCAL LEGISLATION

Haddon Heights is considering an ordinance that would prohibit dogs from barking, howling or crying for longer than a half hour between 10 PM and 7 AM.  Residents would have the power to file complaints in municipal court against offending dog owners or they could call the borough police.  There will be a public hearing on the ordinance at 7 PM on June 19.