Wyckoff Moves To Ban The Sale Of Puppies And Kittens From Pet Mills

WYCKOFF, N.J. — The Township Committee this month took its first step to ban the sale of dogs and cats from puppy and kitten mills.

The committee unanimously introduced an ordinance June 6 that would restrict the sale of dogs and cats to those that come from shelters, rescue organizations, and government-run animal-care facility.

The township is the latest to enact such rules following the discovery of 67 puppies behind the Just Pups store in Paramus in March. Owner Vincent Losacco and his brother, Leonard, were each charged with 134 counts of animal cruelty due to the inside of the van being just 38 degrees and the fact that the puppies were covered in urine and feces.

East Brunswick revoked Vincent Losacco’s license to operate there and Losacco closed the Paramus store. The Just Pups stores in Emerson and East Hanover remain open.

Many people have complained to Better Business Bureau that puppies that were purchased from Just Pups were sick and in need of immediate and prolonged medical care. Many incurred hundreds and thousands in veterinarian bills. One owner said her dog dropped dead one day.

“The inhumane conditions in puppy and kitten mill facilities lead to health and behavioral issues in the animals, which many consumers are unaware of when purchasing animals from pet shops due to … misleading tactics of pet shops in some cases,” the legislation states. “These health and behavior issues, which may not present themselves until some time after purchase of animals, can impose exorbitant financial and emotional costs on consumers.”

The legislation would also prohibit pet shops from selling animals younger than 8 weeks old.

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