AKC ALERT- NJ!
http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3420

Mandatory Spay/Neuter Reintroduced in New Jersey
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[Tuesday, January 29, 2008]
Senator Van Drew has introduced Senate Bill 971, a bill which
threatens the rights of responsible dog owners in New Jersey. This
bill is a reintroduction of 2006's AB 3542. Fanciers, concerned dog
owners, and responsible breeders should immediately contact their
representatives in the New Jersey State Legislature, and the members
of the Senate Economic Growth Committee who will first hear this
bill, and express their vehement opposition to this bill.

The bill would require that before a dog could be released from any
shelter or pound it must be sterilized, unless the owner can provide
documentation of the following:
that the dog "has been shown" within the last 12 months; or
that the owner is a "professional licensed breeder registered with
the American Kennel Club"; or
a licensed veterinarian has determined that sterilization would be
detrimental to the dog's health.
Sterilization is required for all dogs impounded, even if it is the
first time the dog has been detained.

The majority of purebred dogs never compete in AKC events and would
not be eligible for this exemption. Further, the American Kennel Club
does not license breeders. Therefore, this bill creates conditions
that the vast majority of responsible dog owners cannot possibly
meet.

The American Kennel Club opposes the concept of breeding permits,
breeding bans, or the mandatory spay/neuter of purebred dogs.
Instead, we support reasonable and enforceable laws that protect the
welfare and health of purebred dogs and do not restrict the rights of
breeders and owners who take their responsibilities seriously.
Additionally, we strongly support and actively promote a wide range
of programs to educate the public about responsible breeding
practices and the responsibilities of dog ownership.

For a copy of the bill, click here.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Contact the members of the NJ Senate Economic Growth Committee. Urge
them to oppose SB 971.

Senator Raymond Lesniak - Chair
985 Stuyvesant Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
(908)-624-0880
To contact Senator Lesniak via e-mail, click here, then
click "Contact Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your
Representative(s)".

Senator Sandra Cunningham
1738 Kennedy Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201)-451-5100
To contact Senator Cunningham via e-mail, click here, then
click "Contact Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your
Representative(s)".

Senator Joseph Kyrillos, Jr.
One Adminn Park Building
Suite 303
1715 Highway 35
Middleton, NJ 07748
(732)-671-3206
To contact Senator Kyrillos via e-mail, click here, then
click "Contact Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your
Representative(s)".

Senator Steven Oroho
Post Office Box 249
25 Route 23 South
Franklin, NJ 07416
(973)-827-2900

227 Route 206
Bldg. 1
1st Floor
Flanders, NJ 07836
(973)-584-4670

Senator Teresa Ruiz
To contact Senator Ruiz via e-mail, click here, then click "Contact
Your Legislator(s)", then click "Select your Representative(s)".


Contact your own state Assemblyperson and Senator. Express your
opposition to AB 1591, and urge them to do the same. To find out who
represents you in the New Jersey State Assembly and State Senate, go
here.
For more information, please contact the AKC Canine Legislation
Department at (919) 816-3720, or e-mail doglaw@...; or contact
the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs at taborgsp@....




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