Last week, Governor Christie conditionally vetoed Senate Bill 3041, incorporating all the changes requested by AKC and like-minded organizations, including NAIA and PIJAC. We thank everyone who contacted the Governor for their part in this successful outcome. The AKC, a multitude of our grassroots advocates, and a number of organizations allied in opposition to the onerous provisions of S.3041 worked together in urging Governor Christie to veto the bill.
With a conditional veto, New Jersey’s Governor dictates changes he would like to see made to a bill that has been passed by the legislature. The legislature can now either accept the changes, attempt to override the Governor’s veto, or refuse to accept the changes and let the bill die.
Principal sponsor of S.3041, State Senator Raymond Lesniak, has publicly stated he intends to lead a vote to overturn the Governor’s conditional veto. He will likely propose an override to be voted on by the State Senate on Thursday, May 25th.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: It is imperative that all New Jersey residents contact their state senator and respectfully urge them to vote against any proposal to override the Governor’s conditional veto of S.3041. Click here to go to the AKC online Legislative Action Center, which provides an easy-to-use way to contact your lawmakers with customizable messages sent directly from you.
TALKING POINTS AGAINST OVERRIDE OF CONDITIONAL VETO OF S.3041
The American Kennel Club pursues public policy in New Jersey that respects the differences in sources of dogs; on appropriate and efficient state enforcement; and the impacts they both have in breeders, purchasers, and the public health. Consistent with those goals, the conditional veto of S.3041:
- Allows for the 2015 changes to the laws dealing with New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act, which were supported unanimously by the legislature, to take full effect.
- Protects New Jersey citizens’ access to the pets of their choice.
- Provides reasonable amendments to the state’s definition of “pet dealer”, including (in addition to other qualifications) applying to only those located in New Jersey who are required to be licensed by the USDA. This change appropriately reflects public policy designed to focus on and regulate those participating in a typical commercial channel.
- Preserves consumer and public health protections for New Jersey pet purchasers.
The AKC also encourages all New Jersey residents to contact Governor Christie and express thanks for listening to their concerns and conditionally vetoing S.3041! Emails may be sent by going to http://nj.gov/governor/contact/, selecting Consumer Affairs, and completing the online form.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to provide additional information and calls to action regarding S.3041. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org; or Jeffrey Ball with the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs at jeffbetsyball@yahoo.com.