Animal Rescue Coalition of NJ

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The Coalition authored/proposed a bill that requires all cats and dogs released from pounds and shelters be sterilized with certain exceptions. The Coalition is working with Assemblywoman Greenstein to see bill A1568 become law. The bill is currently in committee.

ASSEMBLY BILL No. 1568

Sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda R. Greenstein, District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

SUMMARY of BILL

Bill A1568 requires that all cats and dogs released from shelters (either thru owner redemption or adoption) be sterilized and microchipped, with certain exceptions.

Exceptions include:

a) animal is owned by a licensed breeder

b) animal is registered as a "show" animal by AKC, Cat Fanciers or any similar organization

c) a letter from a licensed veterinarian stating that sterilization would endanger the health of the animal or that the animal is too young or too old to be sterilized

d) animal is released to a 501(c)3 animal rescue group. The rescue group would be responsible for sterilizing and microchipping the animal before adoption.

The cost of sterilization and microchipping will be incorporated into increased adoption fees. Additional funding will be available via increased license fees with the increase going to a special fund dedicated for the above procedures.

Once an owner identifies his dog or cat is held at a shelter and he intends to claim said animal, the animal would be sterilized within three days, unless the owner claimed exception. The owner would cover the cost of the sterilization.

Similarly, when a person applies to adopt an unsterilized animal, after his application was approved, the animal would be sterilized within three days. In the meantime, the new owner would get the animal licensed. The animal could be taken home after sterilization and upon proof of license.

Alternatively, an owner or adopter can leave a deposit (not less than $200) when taking possession of an unaltered animal. The deposit will be refunded when proof of sterilization (or proof of exception) is presented to the shelter.

For the complete text of the bill, click here: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/A2000/1568_I1.HTM

To support this legislation, please call or write your legislator. How To Find Your Legislator

HISTORY

Bill A3219 was submitted during the 2004 / 2005 Legislative session.

Bill A1827 is the equivalent bill, prefiled for the previous 2006 / 2007 Legislative session.

Bill A1568 is the equivalent bill, prefiled for the current 2008 / 2009 Legislative session.

STATISTICS

The following states require mandatory spaying or neutering of all animals adopted from animal shelters:

AZ AR CA CT DC DL GA IL IA KS KY LA MA MI MO MT NV NH NM NY OK RI TX VA

New Jersey should be added to this list.

OTHER LEGISLATION WE SUPPORT

List forthcoming

LEGISLATION WE DO NOT SUPPORT

S801 The "Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Licensing Act"; authorizes municipalities to require a license for a person to own, keep or harbor a pit bull. Sponsor: Senator Sharpe James, District 29 (Newark)

Last Session: Bill Number A1718