N. Plainfield Bans Sale Of Puppy, Kitten Mill Pets

NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ — The borough voted Monday night to adopt an ordinance banning the sale of puppy mill dogs and kitten mill cats.

The ordinance was introduced on June 12 and passed the first reading on June 15. The ordinance was adopted at its second and final reading on June 26.

"The Borough Council believes it is in the best interests of this Borough to adopt reasonable regulations to reduce costs to the Borough and its residents, protect the citizens of the Borough who may purchase cats or dogs from a pet shop or other business establishment, help prevent inhumane breeding conditions, promote community awareness of animal welfare and foster a more humane environment in the Borough," according to the ordinance.

Residents filled the council chambers to voice their support for this ordinance and the inhumane treatment of puppy or kitten mill pets.

"The documented abuses endemic to puppy and kitten mills include over-breeding; inbreeding; minimal to non-existent veterinary care; lack of adequate and nutritious food, water and shelter; lack of socialization; lack of adequate space; and, lack of adequate exercise," the ordinance stated.

The ordinance goes onto mention that the inhumane conditions in puppy mill and kitten mill facilities can lead to health and behavioral issues, which are then passed on to consumers who may be unaware when purchasing animals from pet shops.

This then leads to exorbitant financial and emotional costs on consumers.

"It is estimated that 10,000 puppy mills produce more than 2.4 million puppies a year in the United States and that most pet shop dogs and cats come from puppy mills and kitten mills," according to the Humane Society of the United States.

The borough is hoping by prohibiting the retail sale of puppies and kittens it will in-turn decrease the demand for puppies and kittens bred in puppy mills and kitten mills and will then increase demand for animals from animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Adoption from local animal shelters and rescue organizations is encouraged as an alternative.

This ordinance will not affect a consumer’s ability to get a dog or cat directly from a breed-specific rescue organization or a shelter, or from a hobby breeder, the borough stated in the ordinance.

This ordinance will take effect on Aug. 16., 20 days after it was passed.

Saddle Brook also passed a similar ordinance last year.

• See Related: Saddle Brook To Ban The Sale Of Puppy Mill Dogs

Multiple reports of inhumane treatment to dogs and cats for sale have been reported recently in the media and several legislators have passed bills to prevent this.

• See Related: NJ Assembly Passes Bill Banning Cruel and Inhumane Puppy Mills
• See Related: Several N.J. Pet Stores Buying From Inhumane Puppy Mills, Scathing Report Reveals
• See Related: 'Horrible Hundred' Puppy Mills: Pennsylvania Tied For Second On Humane Society List

(Image via Shutterstock)

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