Kim Kavin, author of “The Dog Merchants” has started to uncover some of the truths in the world of dog rescues. Not that all rescues are bad, of course, but fact that rescues (and to some extent shelters) have largely replaced pet stores as a source of dogs and puppies for the eight (8) million
animal shelters
Rocky’s Law in New Jersey Requires Significant Amendments Before Adoption-Part II
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
New Jersey bills S3551 and A5040 would require a vaccination schedule that is inconsistent with veterinary recommendations.
For example, the bills would require that “if the animal is a dog, [it] has received its first parvo and distemper vaccines and at least one booster, and the dog’s rabies inoculations are up to date.”
Rocky’s Law in New Jersey Requires Significant Amendments Before Adoption-Part I
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Rocky’s Law, S3551 and its companion A5040, would require the mandatory registration of animal rescue organizations, as opposed to the current laws providing for voluntary registration. They would also would require all animal rescue organizations, pet shops, shelters and pounds to conduct and provide test results about the animal’s medical status and behavioral history…
The importance of studying human behavior related to pet adoptions and its unintended impact on animal health and welfare.
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
The unfortunate and misguided bans of sales of professionally and purposely-bred dogs throughout the United States (which as previously described violates the constitutional rights of many and exposes people and pets to a host of infectious, sometimes deadly diseases), reveals a dearth of objective and science-based research about the welfare of dogs (and puppies) historically…
New York State Animal Rescue Law-A Start
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
New York recently amended laws governing pet dealers by:
(1) exempting incorporated animal shelters, rescue organizations or other non-profit entities that transport or offer animals for adoption (a/k/a “sale”) from the statutory definition of “pet dealer,” and (2) requiring those entities to register with the Department of Agriculture and Markets and provide certain information on…
Other concerns about NJ Bill S3019
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
I previously described concerns about S3019’s impact to veterinarians.
There are additional concerns about the impact of this bill to animal shelters and NJ taxpayers. And, it is inexplicable why S3019 exempts animal rescue organizations from provisions governing shelters since these unregulated organizations are becoming the primary way people are obtaining pets—through retail rescue…
NJ bill S3019 could decrease the number of veterinary facilities willing to assist municipalities in animal control.
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Senator Linda R. Greenstein introduced S3019 on Feb. 27, 2017, a bill that would establish “additional requirements for operation and oversight of animal shelters, pounds, kennels operating as shelters or pounds, and veterinary holding facilities.”
The bill creates liabilities for veterinarians who provide certain critical services to municipalities. If enacted, it is unclear why veterinarians…
Attempts in New Jersey Bill S2848 to improve dog and cat regulations fall short.
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
New Jersey Bill S2848 does far more than described in the official bill statement which states that the bill requires:
1) all cats and dogs brought into the State from other jurisdictions to have an animal history and health certificate certified by a licensed veterinarian providing the information about the cat or dog specified in
…
Pet Stores Under Attack-Pet stores do not contribute to local overpopulation
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
Pet stores used to be the primary source for puppies in the U.S. That role has drastically changed-rescues and shelters are now the dominant providers of pets, replacing pet stores. In fact, thousands of puppies are imported into the Northeast to supply the increasing demand for “rescued” pets, as promoted with million-dollar campaigns from nonprofit…
Testimony confirms that USDA licensed dog breeders are not puppy mills
By Nancy E. Halpern, D.V.M. on
In a stunning turn of events, Senator Lesniak, sponsor of S63, a bill in New Jersey that would have banned pet stores from purchasing from any commercial dog breeder, testified that he was refocusing the bill in a committee substitute to permit continued purchases from USDA licensees to pet stores, because these breeders were not…