New Jersey Assembly Bill A3714

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/22
• Refer: 5/2/22

Caption

"Better Care Dog Act."

Impact

A3714 would significantly impact existing state laws regarding the management of potentially dangerous and vicious dogs. It clarifies that the same stringent requirements applied to owners of potentially dangerous dogs also pertain to vicious dogs not subject to euthanasia. This means that municipalities will be obliged to establish clear regulations addressing the ownership and management of these dogs to protect public safety, particularly that of children, who are most vulnerable.

Summary

The bill A3714, known as the 'Better Care Dog Act', aims to create a uniform system for the leashing and fencing of dogs across New Jersey. It mandates that all municipalities adopt local ordinances that align with state requirements, thereby ensuring consistent enforcement of dog restraint rules. Specifically, the Act requires that dogs be leashed when off their owner's property unless exempted due to circumstances such as being in a designated dog park or being a working dog. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the number of offenses.

Contention

The bill has sparked debates concerning animal welfare and public safety. Some public organizations argue that strict leashing and fencing laws may lead to increased financial burdens on dog owners and municipalities, especially regarding compliance costs. Conversely, proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary framework for safeguarding communities from incidents involving unrestrained dogs. There are concerns that valuable local governance might be undermined as municipalities might feel pressured to conform to state standards that may not wholly consider local conditions or needs.