New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4920

Introduced
12/5/22  

Caption

Establishes restrictions on number of dogs kept on residential property; establishes residential kennel license for property on which owner keeps and houses 15 to 25 dogs, and inspection and maintenance requirements for residential kennels.

Impact

The introduction of A4920 is expected to have significant effects on state animal control laws, particularly regarding the management of residential kennels. It mandates that each dog in a residential kennel must have an individual license and places specific responsibilities on property owners to maintain records and comply with sanitary requirements. Municipalities are given the authority to enforce these new regulations, which could lead to more uniform application of animal welfare standards across different regions within New Jersey.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4920 seeks to establish new regulations regarding the number of dogs that can be kept on residential properties in New Jersey. The bill prohibits individuals from keeping more than 25 dogs unless the property is duly licensed as a kennel. Those housing between 15 to 25 dogs must obtain a residential kennel license from their local municipality, which comes with specific inspection and operational requirements. This is aimed at promoting animal welfare and ensuring proper care and sanitation of dogs in residential settings.

Contention

Notably, A4920 has sparked discussions about the balance between regulating dog ownership for welfare purposes and the potential impact on individuals who may keep multiple dogs for legitimate reasons. Critics argue that the restrictions may disproportionately affect dog breeders and rescue organizations by imposing stringent requirements and possible penalties for non-compliance. Another point of contention is the potential for increased municipal control, which some see as a necessary measure to protect animal welfare, while others view it as an unnecessary government overreach.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3317

Establishes residential property wholesaler license.

NJ S3824

Establishes residential property wholesaler license.

NJ S2853

Establishes additional requirements for operation and oversight of animal shelters, pounds, and kennels operating as shelters or pounds.

NJ A867

Establishes procedures to prevent and eradicate bedbug infestations in certain residential property.

NJ A3156

Establishes procedures to prevent and eradicate bedbug infestations in certain residential property.

NJ A4555

Establishes Residential Property Repair Program; appropriates $30,000,000.

NJ S3002

Establishes Residential Property Repair Program; appropriates $30,000,000.

NJ S2485

Establishes Residential Property Repair Program; appropriates $30,000,000.

NJ A905

Establishes Residential Property Repair Program; appropriates $30,000,000.

NJ HB1322

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, compensation, proof required, deposit of funds, records, license sales, rules and regulations, failure to comply, unlawful acts and penalty, for applications for dog licenses, fees and penalties, for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses, for dogs temporarily in the Commonwealth and for health certificates for importation; in offenses of dogs, further providing for dog bites and detentions and isolation of dogs; in dangerous dogs, further providing for court proceedings, certificate of registration and disposition, for requirements, for public safety and penalties and for construction of article; in injury to dogs, further providing for selling, bartering or trading dogs; in enforcement and penalties, further providing for enforcement of this act by the secretary and provisions for inspections and for enforcement and penalties; in sterilization of dogs and cats, further providing for definitions; and imposing penalties.

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