Mandatory Spay/Neuter Reintroduced in New Jersey

anne

All New Jersey Resident must OPPOSE this bill.

The sponsor of this bill is trying to sneak Mandatory Spay/Neuter of ALL
dogs in NJ, not just those to be released from shelters, even if being
reclaimed by their owners.

Here is the actual wording of the new proposed bill:

Any person applying for a license and registration tag pursuant to this
section shall provide documentation from a licensed veterinarian indicating
that the dog has been spayed, neutered, or sterilized or, if appropriate,
that the dog has not been spayed, neutered, or sterilized because to do so
would be detrimental to the health of the dog or because the dog is too
young to be sterilized properly. Any person not providing that
documentation shall be required to pay an additional fee pursuant to section
1 of P.L.1983, c.172 (C.4:19-15.3b) and may not apply for a two-year
registration tag or license.

Linda Hartheimer
Legislative Liaison
Weimaraner Club of America
http://grayhart-weimaraners.gotpetloversonline.com/

>A new Legislative Alert has been posted on the AKC's Web site. To view
> this alert, please click on the following link, or cut and paste it into
> your web browser http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3420.

Mandatory Spay/Neuter Reintroduced in New Jersey
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[Tuesday, January 29, 2008]
Senator Van Drew has introduced Senate Bill 971, a bill which
threatens the rights of responsible dog owners in New Jersey. This bill is a
reintroduction of 2006's AB 3542. Fanciers, concerned dog owners, and
responsible breeders should immediately contact their representatives in the
New Jersey State Legislature, and the members of the Senate Economic Growth
Committee who will first hear this bill, and express their vehement
opposition to this bill.

The bill would require that before a dog could be released from any
shelter or pound it must be sterilized, unless the owner can provide
documentation of the following:
a.. that the dog "has been shown" within the last 12 months; or
b.. that the owner is a "professional licensed breeder registered
with the American Kennel Club"; or
c.. a licensed veterinarian has determined that sterilization would
be detrimental to the dog's health.
Sterilization is required for all dogs impounded, even if it is the
first time the dog has been detained.

The majority of purebred dogs never compete in AKC events and would
not be eligible for this exemption. Further, the American Kennel Club does
not license breeders. Therefore, this bill creates conditions that the vast
majority of responsible dog owners cannot possibly meet.

The American Kennel Club opposes the concept of breeding permits,
breeding bans, or the mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs. Instead, we
support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the welfare and health
of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of breeders and owners who
take their responsibilities seriously. Additionally, we strongly support and
actively promote a wide range of programs to educate the public about
responsible breeding practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.

For a copy of the bill, click here.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
a.. Contact the members of the NJ Senate Economic Growth Committee.
Urge them to oppose SB 971.

Senator Raymond Lesniak - Chair
985 Stuyvesant Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
(908)-624-0880
To contact Senator Lesniak via e-mail, click here, then click
"Contact Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your Representative(s)".

Senator Sandra Cunningham
1738 Kennedy Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201)-451-5100
To contact Senator Cunningham via e-mail, click here, then click
"Contact Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your Representative(s)".

Senator Joseph Kyrillos, Jr.
One Arin Park Building
Suite 303
1715 Highway 35
Middleton, NJ 07748
(732)-671-3206
To contact Senator Kyrillos via e-mail, click here, then click
"Contact Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your Representative(s)".

Senator Steven Oroho
Post Office Box 249
25 Route 23 South
Franklin, NJ 07416
(973)-827-2900

227 Route 206
Bldg. 1
1st Floor
Flanders, NJ 07836
(973)-584-4670

Senator Teresa Ruiz
To contact Senator Ruiz via e-mail, click here, then click "Contact
Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your Representative(s)".

b.. Contact your own state Assemblyperson and Senator. Express your
opposition to AB 1591, and urge them to do the same. To find out who
represents you in the New Jersey State Assembly and State Senate, go here.