Essex County Pet Shop Among Alleged Violators Of Pet Purchase Protection Act: Authorities

Fairfield, NJ – A Fairfield pet shop was among those targeted for state enforcement efforts for alleged violations of the Pet Purchase Protection Act, authorities announced on Monday.

According to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, the agency recently cited pet shops throughout the state for allegedly “failing to comply with laws designed to protect consumers from purchasing unhealthy pets.”

• See the list of cited pet shops here.

Alleged violations include “failures to label dogs’ and cats’ cages with each animal’s breeding history, medical background, and other information required under amendments made to the Pet Purchase Protection Act,” which became effective earlier this year, the DCA announced.

The Essex County pet store – Pet Lover’s Outlet in Fairfield – was not among those officially served with Notices of Violations from the DCA, according to authorities. But it was among those that were targeted for “alternative action” and sent “Executive Conference Letters,” the agency stated.

“Stores that have more than one retail location with multiple violations, had three or fewer animals for sale at the time of the inspection, or whose inspection requires a more detailed review, have been sent letters directing their appearance at executive conferences to discuss inspection violations, implement a compliance plan, and impose a civil penalty,” the DCA stated.

Patch reached out for comment to Pet Lover’s Outlet via phone, but did not receive a reply as of Monday afternoon.

PET BUYER’S RIGHTS

According to the DCA, New Jersey Consumer Protection Laws, including the Pet Purchase Protection Act:

• Require that cage labels contain the name, street address, web address, and license numbers for each animal’s breeder and broker. Labels must also include the date and place of each animal’s birth; its age, sex, and identifying markings including any tag, tattoo, collar number, or microchip information; the date of its initial medical exam and the name and address of the vet who examined it.
• Mandate on-cage display of the “Know Your Rights” sign informing consumers that stores are required to prominently display the two (2) most recent inspections of the facility in which an animal was bred and housed prior to sale. The sign must direct consumers to request any undisplayed reports and inform consumers concerning how to obtain more information about inspections.
• Require that an animal be examined by a veterinarian within five (5) days of being offered for sale and that those results be included in the animal’s history and health certificate.
• Mandate that if an animal was examined more than 14 days before it is purchased, the pet must be re-examined within three (3) days of delivery to the consumer (unless the consumer declines the re-examination in writing).
• Forbid the sale of any animal purchased from a breeder or broker who doesn’t hold required state and federal licenses; has violated certain animal welfare laws in the past two years; or has refused to grant inspectors access to its facilities within the past two years.

File photo via flickr