Arm of the law is reaching out to pets

There are already laws on the books that protect animals from languishing outdoors without proper covering, or, worse, tied to something that prevents free movement. Laws also exist to protect human ears from the nonstop barking of a neighborhood dog. I’ve heard from many readers who say local law enforcement is reticent to implement laws in that regard. In most municipalities, a maximum of 20 minutes barking constitutes an infraction.

All tied up
Chaining dogs on short tethers will be a crime if Assembly bill A2773 is enacted. This legislation will assess penalties between $250 and $1,000 and a possible six-month jail term. Sponsored in the Assembly by James W. Holzapfel (R-Ocean), David W. Wolfe (R-Ocean) and Joan Voss (D-Bergen), this bill is identical to the one in the Senate, S1705, sponsored by Andrew R.Ciesla (R-Ocean) and Nicholas Asselta (R-Cumberland).

I never want to see “breed-specific legislation” requiring special licensing or muzzling of pit bulls in our state. Fortunately for pit bull owners, bill S801 by Sharpe James (D-Essex), filed a year ago, went nowhere.

Responsible practices
Readers know I constantly advocate the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs. Under A1827 sponsored by Linda R. Greenstein (D-Mercer), Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) and Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May), spaying and neutering will be required before any dog or cat is adopted from a shelter or rescue group. Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester) is the sponsor of identical bill Senate bill S1026.

What better way to curtail animal abusive behavior than to teach kids the proper way to treat animals? Douglas H. Fisher (D-Cumberland) has sponsored A1704 that requires public schools to include instruction on humane treatment of animals as part of the core curriculum.

Ending the fights
As for dogfighting, obviously we want none of that in our state, even though we know it has existed. Our legislators are on top of animal abuse in any form. A928, sponsored by Gusciora and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer), permits the confiscation of any animal that has been trained, tormented, badgered or baited to engage in unprovoked attacks upon people or other animals, in accordance with the Penalty Enforcement Law. Anyone adjudged guilty of such practices may not own an animal for two years without first posting a $550,000 bond.

A1602, sponsored by Holzapfel and Wolfe, redefines offenses against animals under the Criminal Code. In the Senate, identical bill S617 is sponsored by Ciesla and Leonard T. Connors Jr. (R-Ocean), whereby law enforcement, animal control and NJSPCA officials may enter any building where fighting is going on without a warrant and make arrests. That includes arresting spectators who are deemed participants in an illegal event.

Pets in rentals
Former Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo (D-Essex) had a wonderful bill enabling tenants and condo owners to be allowed to own a pet. Caraballo had protections in his bill to protect landlords from damages, but the bill still went nowhere. I’d like to see another legislator pick up the ball on this issue. Many times the denial of a pet falls on senior citizens forced to sell their homes and move to an apartment or condo, if finances permit. Wrenching tales hit my desk from such individuals who are heartbroken to relinquish their companion cats and dogs. It’s sad for the pets as well who are also more likely to be elderly, which gives them slim chances for another home.