New Jersey Assembly Bill A3320

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

"Better Care Dog Act."

Impact

The bill impacts municipal laws by requiring each municipality to incorporate the established statewide standards within 180 days of the Department of Health's regulations. Municipalities are required to adopt ordinances that provide for the enforcement of dog leashing and fencing provisions. Additionally, municipalities must create a dedicated fund for the implementation and enforcement of these standards. The bill seeks to create consistency in dog management practices, addressing concerns about free-roaming dogs that may pose safety risks to the public.

Summary

Bill A3320, known as the 'Better Care Dog Act,' aims to establish a uniform statewide system for the leashing and fencing of dogs in New Jersey. The bill mandates that all dog owners must use a leash or suitable restraint whenever their dog is off their property unless specific exemptions apply, such as for working or hunting dogs engaged in agricultural work. The Department of Health, in collaboration with key stakeholders like the New Jersey Certified Animal Control Officers Association and the League of Municipalities, is tasked with creating detailed rules and regulations to standardize these requirements across municipalities.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the discussions surrounding A3320 include the balance between public safety and dog owners' rights. Proponents argue that uniform leashing and fencing requirements will enhance public safety, reducing incidents of dog attacks and injuries. Conversely, opponents express concerns regarding the imposition of strict regulations on dog owners, particularly in cases where specific circumstances may justify exceptions. The introduction of new criminal offenses and penalties for dog owners, such as fines for unrestrained dogs that cause injuries, has also sparked debate about the implications for responsible dog ownership and the potential for unintended consequences.