The Governor of NJ: Create stricter pet store laws.

Create stricter pet store laws!

Hello!

On Friday, December 30, 2011, I visited a pet store in New Jersey. I expected to walk into a happy environment; however, it was anything but.
The air was solemn, the store was dark, and the silence was more deafening than the barking I expected. All of the dogs were either sleeping or lying down. There were up to five or six large breed puppies in an enclosed area, complete only with wood chips to sleep on. Young dogs who were teething had no toys, and thus chewed on said wood chips (that they undoubtedly relieve themselves on).
Small-breed cages were designated to the left side of the room. A long counter was placed in front of these cages; I was unsure if I was able to go behind the counter to get a closer, more intimate look at these puppies. I felt the store wanted me to maintain my distance.
I could understand why, for it would only allow for a closer look at something I had already noticed from afar: an English Bulldog sitting uncomfortably close to its excrement; an English Spaniel puppy staring at me, crying. There was one young man walking around the store cleaning the cages; however, this store had well over forty dogs in it, and one man is not enough. Especially when there were two other female associates, one of which was busy in the back of the store, while the other sat at the front counter, doing what appeared to be nothing more than staring at her finger nails.
The large-breed area was enclosed by what I could only describe as a chain link fence, much too high for anybody to extend an arm over to pet the puppies. I bent down to the two large Golden Retriever puppies and extended my hand through the fence. Their tails did not wag frantically; one dog walked away and chewed on a wood chip in the far corner, the other laid down and placed his head on the concrete, his eyes staring at me through the fence. Why weren't these dogs more intrigued?
I would soon get my answer. A female associate walked over and asked that I not put my hands through the fence to pet the puppies. If I couldn't put my hands through and I couldn't extend my arm over the fence, how could I interact with the dogs? This store policy discourages socialization, and not only explains the dogs' uninterested demeanor, but may also inadvertently teach them to be afraid of humans.
I am well aware of what may happen to dogs who have socialization problems. I am also aware of what may happen to dogs who have health issues typically associated with careless breeders and puppy mills. Unfortunately, the general public is not. Pet stores such as the one I visited buy puppies from breeders who seek to make a buck and couldn't care less about the animals' genetics, and introduce puppies to a world that they grow up to be wary of. The fate of these dogs is typically tragic; they are put to sleep or placed in shelters. While dog rescuing has become increasingly popular as of late, many prefer not to adopt the dog who is placed in the shelter and unknowingly may purchase from the pet stores and breeders these very dogs are from. Stores such as these thrive on the ignorance of the public, and only prolong the changes that need to occur to better the welfare of animals who are placed in such horrid conditions, through no fault of their own.
I have been to other, more specialized pet stores, and have never had an experience quite so appalling as my visit to this store. I've never left a pet store angry and determined to make a change. Consequently, I researched New Jersey pet store laws and regulations, and I feel inclined to state that laws and regulations regarding pet stores is nothing short of disheartening.
Many pet store laws and regulations are designed to protect the consumer post-purchase. But I ask, what about protecting the animals prior to their purchase? As previously discussed, many stores acquire their animals from breeders who breed for the sake of money, not for the sake of the animals and their health. Consequently, genetically unsound animals are breed with one another, passing down poor genes that result in poor health. Some owners will decide to care for sick animals; however, many cannot be bothered or cannot afford to care for these animals. Thus, when health issues are discovered, owners will return their animals to places of purchase (given that Lemon Law requirements are fulfilled), put these animals to sleep, or place these animals in shelters.
Yet, where animals are acquired from is only one facet to the well-being of animals. Pet store environments are just as important to the development of their animals as the animals' genetics. Pet stores should be well-kept, stimulating environments that allow animals to explore comfortably. Unfortunately, New Jersey laws are lax and/or do not address concerns regarding stimulation, housing, or sanitation. Key terms such as "sufficient [food and water]", "proper [food and drink]", and "adequate space" are vague and/or undefined, and thus can be interpreted and/or manipulated to support poorly managed stores; laws and regulations regarding housing and sanitation are nonexistent. As a result many animals will grow to be afraid of humans and will exhibit signs of aggression and anxiety. These animals will most likely meet tragic fates.
New Jersey must enforce stricter laws to better the lives of animals. Although I've only discussed two problems regarding New Jersey's lack of appropriate laws, there are many other issues that are implications of state-encouraged careless facilities. If New Jersey lawmakers paid more attention to the welfare of animals and less about the convenience of its human citizens, animals, as well as those who purchase them, would be much better off.

[Your name]