This year the Agriculture Committee approved several bills designed to improve the protection of animals and pet owners. Several of these bills passed both houses of the legislature and are expected to become law. Information and current status for all legislation can be found by entering the bill number through this link Bill Search.

A740A (Rosenthal) - Would authorize local governments to regulate the sale of pets in their communities to help protect the health and safety of the pets, prevent unwanted pets and overpopulation, and encourage pet adoptions. (Passed Both Houses)

A1204 (Zebrowski) - Would help protect dogs and cats by limiting unnecessary surgery to remove their vocal cords. (Passed Assembly)

A1205A (Paulin) – Would strengthen oversight of pet dealers that fail health and safety inspections. (Passed Both Houses)

A1657E (Rosenthal) – Would establish and implement training for dog control officers. (Passed Both Houses)

A5113A (Paulin) - Would assist animal shelters in recovering reasonable costs for caring for seized animals from individuals convicted of certain animal cruelty and animal fighting offenses. (Passed Both Houses)

A5114B (Paulin) - Would strengthen the “Pet Lemon Law” by providing consumers more information about the source of the pets they purchase from pet dealers, and allowing consumers a longer period when they could return a pet that had certain medical problems. (Passed Both Houses)