Montclair, NJ – Thanks to local animal rights activists, no one will be singing “how much is that doggy in the window” in Montclair.
The Township Council of Montclair unanimously passed Ordinance 22-26 to prohibit the retail sale of puppies and cats in pet stores. Montclair joins 136 other New Jersey municipalities that have passed similar legislation. The ordinance was presented by Councilman Peter Yacobellis and Councilwoman Robin Schlager. Yacobellis was joined by a coalition of animal welfare organizations – Humane Montclair, FOMTAS, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) –to get the ordinance passed in Montclair for the better part of 2022. Passing this ordinance demonstrates Montclair is taking a stand against animal abuse and neglect by preventing puppy mill puppies and cats from ever entering the Montclair marketplace.
Last week, New York became the sixth state to pass a state-wide law prohibiting the sale of puppies in pet stores. The law also prohibits the sale of kittens and rabbits.
“People need to know when they buy a dog or cat from a pet store, they are likely supporting an abusive puppy mill. Puppy mills are inhumane, high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignore the needs of the pups and their mothers, and subject them to neglect, abuse and illness,” said Annette Batson of Humane Montclair. “As important as it is for pups, kittens, and their over-bred mothers, passing this ordinance is a statement of our town’s values – respect and protection of animals – that will resonate far and wide.”
Batson hopes the state of New Jersey will follow New York’s lead. Humane pet store laws have been passed in 441 cities and counties across the US, according to HSUS.
Humane Montclair thanks Montclair Township council members for their impactful support and advocates Elissa Frank NJ HSUS Director, Marc Berube L&B Pet Store, Karen Sacks FOMTAS, and Larry Cohen, HSUS Policy Volunteer.
The Humane Society says adopting a shelter pet is the very best way to bring a dog or cat into your family, and also provides tips for finding a responsible dog breeder. Consult PupQuest, a veterinarian-run blog to become a savvy pet shopper; learn to discern reputable breeders, shelters and rescue organizations. Get a free e-book from the Humane Society with the top 10 pet care tips on animal care.
