This is New Jersey’s 5th iteration at attempting to regulate the dog training industry. In light of many recent horrific stories involving dog trainers abusing dogs in their care, this may very well get traction this year. Licensure is not the solution to prevent those who wish to circumvent the law.

Ironically, New Jersey has also introduced a slew of proposed bills increasing penalties for animal abuse/cruelty offenses.

S1656 – Establishes certain animal abuse offenses committed in manner manifesting extreme indifference to value of animal’s life as crime of second degree; designated as “River’s Law.”

A744 (Previously Filed as A1599) – Establishes NJ Animal Abuser Registry

A803 (Previously Filed as A2470) – Prohibits persons violating animal cruelty law from owning, keeping, or harboring animals; requires DHSS establish and maintain website list of such persons.

A1382 (Previously Filed as S448) – Establishes Animal Cruelty Offender Registry; prohibits purchase, adoption, and breeding of animals by animal cruelty offenders.

S282 – Establishes Animal Advocate Program in Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).

Animal abuse/cruelty laws need to be enforced.

Submit your opposition to this bill to Senator Nilsa I. Cruz-Perez (D). Click on “Email this Senator” to open an online message form.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Marcia Davey, Chair of the Legislative Committee at [email protected] or Marlene Ruiz, Director of Oversight for the Legislative Committee at [email protected].