A new law has been passed by the Borough Council of Matawan, New Jersey that makes the sale of dogs and cats from breeding mills illegal in pet stores of the town.
This ordinance was set in motion with a unanimous vote on May 16, during the council’s monthly meeting.
With this law, pet stores are only allowed to sell dogs and cats from care or rescue organizations, and never under the age of eight weeks old. Mayor Joseph Altomonte stated that the law is meant to prevent pups with medical issues due to being bred incorrectly from being sold to residents, and also to prevent the inhumane treatment of animals.
There are not currently pet stores which sell dogs or cats at the borough. However, the act was created in order to discourage puppy mills from attempting to sell to the area. In the meantime, residents will still be able to adopt or purchase pups and kits from rescues, shelters, and humane hobby breeders where they can visit the breeding site and note that all animals are being treated well and bred with care.
While it is a small step in a small area, this is an advancement for animal rights activists, and we can look forward to hoping that other towns and states adopt these laws. Find out more here, and don’t forget to like and share!