Point Beach Outlawing Dog and Cat Sales
Retail sales of hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, gerbils, rats and ferrets still allowed
Photos
Point Beach is outlawing the retail sale of dogs and cats, following a similar move recently made first in Point Borough, then in Brick and Manasquan.
The second reading and adoption of the ordinance prohibiting retail sales of dogs, cats and certain other mammals was supported in a unanimous vote at the Point Beach Borough Council meeting at Borough Hall on Tuesday night.
"This ordinance, if adopted would ban the sale of dogs, cats and other mammals, other than hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and rabbits, within the Borough," states the ordinance summary at the bottom of the ordinance on the municipal website.
On Tuesday night, the council agreed to add "gerbils, rats and ferrets" as exceptions, so they can still be sold in pet stores.
There are currently no pet stores in Point Beach, but the ordinance is designed to prevent any new ones from opening up and trying to sell dogs, cats and other animals not included in the exceptions.
The prohibition "would not affect an establishment offering animals for adoption," the summary states.
The ordinance also says: "According to the Humane Society of the United States ("HSUS”), inspection records show that many USDA-licensed breeders breed dogs or cats in relatively inhumane conditions. These breeders are commonly referred to as 'puppy mills' or 'kitten factories.'
"Documented problems of puppy mills include: over breeding; inbreeding; veterinary care that doesn’t meet the same standards as other breeders; relatively poor quality of food and shelter; lack of human socialization; and overcrowded cages.
"Dogs bred in puppy mills are more likely to have behavior and/or health problems. While kitten factories are not as common as puppy mills, similar problems are reported regarding kitten factories."
It also states that outlawing pet store sales of dogs, cats and other mammals, other than the exceptions, will encourage the public to adopt pets from animal shelters.
Dr. Robert E. Moreau, a veterinarian at Beach Animal Hospital, River Avenue, Point Beach, said he was in favor of the ordinance because he sees animals that clients have purchased from pet stores every day.
"The roots of the problem are hard to understand if you haven't seen it first hand which I have," Moreau said. "They're treated like chattel. If they get sick, there's no veterinary care. They're just put down, usually shot with a gun. There are more genetic problems because they are in-bred rather than out-bred."
Resident David Cavagnaro said that despite that he loves his pet dogs, he is against the ordinance because it limits business.
Point Beach Council had voted unanimously at its Sept. 18 meeting for first reading of the ordinance.
Resident Lisa Muller asked at the Sept. 18 meeting if the ordinance would prohibit the local animal welfare organization from establishing an adoption center in the downtown, and was told that it will not.
Area towns started getting concerned about the need to develop such an ordinance after Puppies Galore, a pet store in Brick owned by Maria DeSantis, was raided and animals there were found ill and grossly neglected.
The manager of that store, Nathan "Nat" Sladkin, had owned a pet store on Arnold Avenue in Point Beach years ago that had been the target of formal complaints, pickets and protests from many accusing him of selling sickly dogs.
He then moved the business to Wall and then to Brick as "manager."
The Point Pleasant Patch
Valentine's Shopping Guide
See the full guide!
Patch Picks
In This article
-
Point Pleasant Beach Borough Hall and Police Department
416 New Jersey Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ -
-
E.Nagle Moylesworth III
10:00 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
I don't think the town council should dictate what a store can sell based on a warm and fuzzy feeling. I can drive 2 miles to another town and buy what I want. This sounds like the NYC restriction of soda sales in containers larger than 16 oz. Does over-regulation describe this plan, when we have no pet stores in town? Politicians dream up laws to justify their existence. How about seat belts for pets in cars and banning substitute refs at sports events... Why not ban pork in restaurants so more cute little piggies are spared? It sounds like a stretch, but that's the path they are on. Someone should ask the council how much was paid to the lawyer to produce this unnecessary ordinance.
Laura
9:48 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
You're real name isn't Nat Sladkin, is it? After all, Sladkin was the PRESIDENT of the Republican Club in Point Pleasant Beach and, also, the head of the Chamber of Commerce.
If you equate a live animal with a 16 ounce soda, you are a very sad individual. JMHO
The ordinance was modeled after the one in the Boro. It wasn't a new creation.
BTW, if towns in Texas can prohibit the sale of cats and dogs in a retail establishment, (which they do) I don't think New Jersey will have a problem.
pd
10:30 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
The idea is to take customers away from the puppy mills that sell these animals to pet stores. I'm all for it. With hundreds of dogs and cats being euthanize every day, there is never a need to buy a dog from anyone.
Opinionated
10:53 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
I have no opinion on this issue because I feel if you want to get a dog or cat, get it from shelter. I think this ordinance leaves some questions. First, it is based on the word of a private organization stating that USDA licensed breeders are not up to snuff. Then WHY are they still licensed? This is based on a statement saying the Feds are not doing their job. Sounds like that Arizona law regarding illegals based on the Govt. not doing their job so we'll do it for them. I would think if some breeders got together, they could sue these towns for restraint of trade. Second, this is a form of discrimination against breeders who are doing things the right way. You could say they are being lumped in with the bad apples. And I don't think the USDA would appreciate the statements made in this ordinance nor those made by HSUS. They are both insinuating the USDA is either not diligent in their duties, incompetent, or corrupt. I realize that PPB is not alone in this matter but can you imagine if they get hit with another lawsuit?
DM
11:33 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012
This is great and sorry, but this has nothing to do with the NYC law regarding the govt. telling you how much soda you can drink. That's only harming yourself. It's our responsibility to protect animals who have no voice. I view myself as a conservative where I believe in very little government, but animal hoarding, animal abuse and mistreatment is simply wrong. Let's pass this ordinance!
lisa fenimore
2:56 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
what does it matter were you get your pet from it should matter how you take care of it when you get it home that is why there is so many animals in these shelters because people say ohh lets get a dog or cat for the kids and then the get tired of them and they end up in there and if you take find a no kill shelter then we are just as bad all my animals have come from pet shops and i have taken them home and loved them so if you care about the animals and you take care of them then whats the big deal ..pt pleasant has all the same stores in it anyways nothing to see at least when you had a pet shop there you could go and look i have gotten alot of animals from that petshop my last one is gong on 14 yrs old ..maybe if we didnt just throw them away and send them to shelters think before you get one thats my answer
Beach_N8iv
5:27 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Hmmm, let me make sure that I understand what's going on here. The town is divided over early bar closing, the parking scam and who should pay for boardwalk repairs. Parking and code enforcement are nonexistent west of the railroad. We are awash in lawsuits and this is what the Mayor and Council of District 4 are working on? Well, I guess I should be glad it's something I can agree with. Well done!
Mr. Happy
6:03 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
Hi Beach- The business of gov't doesn't end with parking and the BW. Sometimes there are other issues. This time, I happen to agree with you, the council continues it's stellar work!
Hi Opinionated- You forgot to mention that the town vet, Dr. Moreau was in favor of the ordinance based on first hand experience. Also, the town can't govern effectively if they are in fear of "lawsuits" every time they pass an ordinance.
Bowie Thelonius
11:33 am on Sunday, October 14, 2012
If you want a pet, please go to a local animal shelter and adopt one. They have purebreds as well as mutts. I've got a rescue dog, and he is just terrific. Don't know what breed he is, don't care, he is one of my best friends.
CEFisher
9:26 pm on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Thank goodness for this ban. First Point Boro, then Brick, Manasquan, and now Point Beach. Let's hope more towns follow suit. This ban may be limiting business, but it is protecting the unsuspecting consumer. The sale of dogs in pet stores is BAD business. These are not reputable breeders trying to do the right thing. All pet stores buy from puppy mills. For those saying "it's only important how you treat the dogs when you get them," please research puppy mills. I'm sure no animal lover would be pleased to have their own dog living in the conditions in which the breeding dogs live. The USDA does not do enough inspections or have enough inspectors to properly monitor this horrible business. Good riddance to all pet stores that sell dogs and cats.
Michel Devost
7:42 am on Sunday, February 24, 2013
Hello ,
You like the PETS !!!
Let me show my beautiful creations of decorative mailboxes!
Models : dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, wild animals, birds, vehicles, fish, snoopy.
Be the first to own one of these very unique mailboxes!
“ … This mailboxes will do turn the heads of the passers-by”.
Web site : http://pages.globetrotter.net/miche/mailboxes.html
alika john
2:33 am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
With all the evolution regarding mobile engineering, mobile mobile phones have merely got smarter and possess been altered into multi-functional mobile phones. In inclusion to connection, your cell gadget accomplishes your entire multimedia wants. http://www.bestmobilephonebrand.com
alika john
2:33 am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
This kind of Indochino fit review isn’t one thing I designed on creating, but right after some nagging from your friend, the following we move. http://www.menandwomenwatches.com
alika john
2:33 am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
A single last take note, I possibly shouldn’t have got worn the particular tie, but I’m reluctant to fulfill with consumers sans neckwear. Inside retrospect, the tie inside the sweater can be a cumbersome and also awkward setting. It stayed inside the bag for a lot of the day. http://www.stylishjewelrywholesale.com
alika john
2:33 am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Females need more fruit and veggies and a smaller amount carbonated refreshments even java and alcohol needs to be limited. http://www.womenhealthblog.eu
alika john
2:33 am on Wednesday, May 22, 2013
There isn't any more grueling form of fast or perhaps cleansing diet when compared to a pure h2o fast. With this fast, it is possible to only have got water. In accordance with many choice health professionals, the health improvements can become extraordinary. Fasting allows our bodies time to be able to heal from every one of the toxins and also pollutants inside our food and also environment. In addition, it costs nothing to accomplish. Follow these kinds of steps to find out more. http://www.waterdietplan.com