PETITION TARGET: New Jersey Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin
Puppies covered in urine and feces, cowering in barren display windows or cramped wire-bottom cages, and trembling with bloody stools — these were just some of the heartbreaking examples of the widespread neglect documented during Lady Freethinker’s investigation of New Jersey pet stores.
Now, New Jersey lawmakers have introduced legislation — A2049/S434 — that would prohibit pet shops statewide from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits. In addition, it would allow pet stores to work with rescues and shelters to help adoptable animals find homes, as long as no payment or compensation is exchanged for the space or adoption.
According to the legislation, pet stores continue to acquire unhealthy animals from puppy and kitten mills, despite the many adoptable cats and dogs already in need of homes. The bill also notes that rabbits sold in pet stores — particularly in spring — are frequently surrendered.
This critical measure could help spare countless animals from suffering or euthanasia in New Jersey shelters and help curb the breeding of animals in cruel facilities for profit. Animals are living, feeling beings — not merchandise — and they should never be treated as products.
Sign our petition urging New Jersey Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin to help advance this legislation and end pet shop sales of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in New Jersey.
