Legislation ( A3825), just introduced in New Jersey by Assembly Member Burzichelli, would effectively eliminate holding periods and allow shelters to kill animals immediately if the animal is deemed inappropriate for adoption because of the animal's medical, physical, or other condition, or aggressive or dangerous behavior. The proposed bill would give shelters unfettered discretion to kill animals.
Holding periods are critical to the current animal equation. When a dog is found in the streets it is the 'holding period' that becomes the animals buffer between life and death. Almost all states use them to enforce some discipline on the power of shelter managers. New York has a five day holding period, meaning they can't kill the animal before those days have passed. These laws were not put in place due to humanitarian concerns, they serve to protect the animal's owner from the grief and anger of finding his/her dog dead a day after they are lost.
This particular law states the animal can be killed immediately if 'the animal is inappropriate for adoption as determined by the owner or operator of the shelter, pound or kennel operating as a shelter or pound, because of the animal's medical, physical, or other condition, or aggressive or dangerous behavior.' The term "other condition" is not defined and as such is a carte blanche to shelter directors to kill at will.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed similar legislation in 2011 citing concern that older or mildly injured animals could be killed immediately. This proposed legislation is even more permissive and thus onerous. It's success also poses a threat of opening the door to other states considering similar legislation.
Upon learning of Assembly Member John Burzichelli's proposed bill- A3825 - referred to committee on Feb. 11, I initiated a petition voicing public concern with the bill and our request that the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee would reject this proposal as ill-advised and detrimental to the people of New Jersey. The petition was not restricted to NJ residents because of the ramifications that passage of this bill could represent to every state in the union. It is our contention that hold periods for stray and lost animals are a necessary buffer to prevent euthanizing of family pets before owners can locate them. Additionally, we believe that leaving that decision up to the discretion of shelter directors sets a dangerous and unfair protocol for how animals are handled within the system.
I do realize that legislative decisions are rarely influenced by petitions, but sincerely hope you will take into account the over 10,000 signatures garnered in a mere 4-day period as proof positive that your constituents and people worldwide are genuinely opposed to the passage of this bill. The petition may be viewed online at: http://www.causes.com/actions/1736295-stop-njs-proposed-bill-a3825-now. I will also be sending hard copy before group D's next scheduled meeting on March 14'th.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and for your service to the people of New Jersey.
Sincerely,
