If you just bought a dog or cat for your family over the holidays, you may not know all you need to know about your new pet.

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A bill has been unanimously approved by the Legislature that would expand the state's Pet Purchase Protection Act to require pet shops to make available extensive background information on every cat and dog it sells.

"The information has to include the history of the pet and not only that, but the history of its parents as well. That way you really know what you're buying," said bill co-sponsor Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak (D-Cape May Court House). "Right now you don't know if it's coming from a puppy mill. You don't know if it's coming from across the country. You don't really know where they're coming from."

Under the legislation, on the cage or enclosure of every dog and cat sold at every pet shop in New Jersey, there must be background information that includes:

  • Date and place of birth
  • Sex
  • Color markings
  • Tags, tattoos, collar numbers or microchip information
  • Name and address of the breeder
  • Information on whether the breeder is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture
  • Information on how to access the breeder's history electronically

This information must also appear on the stores' websites.

"With the breeders information you have a point of contact of someone that you could actually speak to and get the information that you need," Andrzejczak explained.

The measure is co-sponsored by Assemblymen Tom Giblin (D-Clifton) and Raj Mukherji (D-Hoboken). The sponsors said when unscrupulous breeders act irresponsibly their behavior can lead to heartbreak for all of the people and the animals involved.

Pet shops that violate the provisions of the bill would face fines of up to $500 for each offense.

Under current law a pet buyer already can be entitled to restitution if the animal they bought becomes sick or dies within 14 days, but a veterinarian has to verify that the pet was not fit for sale upon purchase.

The bill has been sent to Gov. Chris Christie's desk.

 

 

 

 

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