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Change.org has gathered more than 88,000 signatures -- on its way to a goal of 150,000 -- since state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union County) introduced a bill last December that would prohibit the sale of dogs and cats unless the transaction is conducted in person at animal shelters, pounds, kennels and rescue organizations.
Each violation would carry a $500 fine.
"These puppy mills have gained a notorious reputation for putting profits ahead of the humane treatment of dogs and cats,” said Lesniak, whose primary co-sponsors include fellow Democratic state Sens. James Beach and Nicholas P. Scutari. “Their mass breeding has created inbred health and behavioral problems and the inhumane conditions have left too many of these pets to suffer from neglect and mistreatment."
Completely abolishing the sale of animals from puppy and kitten mills doesn't seem the best solution to Fair Lawn pet rescuer Steve Quilliam.
“I’m pro-breeding if it’s done properly,” Quilliam, who runs a retreat in upstate New York, told Daily Voice. “I don’t think the people who do it properly should be punished. I think there should be better regulations and requirements."
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