I am an animal lover. I have four dogs that I consider to be my children. With winter fast approaching, I have seen many owners leave their dogs outside on nights where the temperature is below freezing - dogs that were not meant to be out in severe weather like that - with little shelter from the cold. The laws in New Jersey currently state that an owner is not neglecting an animal if they provide "adequate shelter". The issue here is that term is not clearly defined anywhere in the law itself. I have been told by an NJSPCA officer that it is unofficially defined as "a roof and three walls". I have learned of cases where an owner had a plastic "igloo" (as they are commonly referred in pet stores) with no insulation, door, or bedding being considered adequate. The temperature in these structures can and does drop to ambient temperature very quickly, providing little comfort or shelter for the animal. However, since this structure is in the letter of the law as it is written, the Animal Control Officers cannot legally do anything to ensure that animal is safe from the elements.

I am starting this petition in an effort to gain attention for this issue, and it is my hope that our government will take the time to revise these laws...some of which have not been revised since the late 1800's...so Animal Control Officers can better protect pets from needless suffering.