BRICK — Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis has directed the municipal attorney to draft a proposed ordinance that would prohibit any new store that sells dogs or cats.
The proposed law also would apply to any breeder who sells more than 10 dogs or cats in a calendar year. However, the ordinance would not apply to any such business operating prior to Jan. 1.
Last month, health inspectors closed the Puppies Galore store in the Brick Mall at Brick Boulevard and Chambers Bridge Road, where animal welfare volunteers rescued 39 puppies that were either sick or otherwise in danger.
The owners of the store were scheduled to have a license hearing before the Township Council on Tuesday night.
Four puppies were extremely ill, and 26 of the 39 dogs suffered from illnesses ranging from mild to severe, according to Dr. Adam Christman, a veterinarian with Jersey Shore Animal Center in Brick.
The owners of the store, identified as Maria DeSantis and Nat Sladkin by Brick animal cruelty investigator Nanci Keklak, were told to leave the premises.
Acropolis said the owners of the store have since been charged with 42 counts of animal cruelty. Brick officials and township police aided in the removal.
“This is an issue whose time has come,” Acropolis said Tuesday in a prepared statement. “We have to do something to stop these puppy stores and puppy mills. I have heard heartbreaking stories from many residents about their experiences with these stores.”
The ordinance also would give the township the power to suspend or revoke the license of a pet shop, small breeder, shelter or pound if the establishment fails to maintain proper hygiene and exercise reasonable care in safeguarding the health of animals in its custody or care, according to the mayor’s office.
The municipal government would also be able to revoke licenses if it is determined that unfit animals were available for purchase at existing pet stores.
The ordinance establishes penalties for violators, including a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 90 days in jail for each offense.
Council President John Ducey said he had not heard about the mayor’s proposal until late Tuesday afternoon. He said he would reserve comment until he had the opportunity to review the matter.
Way to go Brick, NJ. Wish we could close down ALL puppymills.
It’s high time that tougher laws protected those that cannot protect themselves – the animals.
The next one that should be checked out is the Pet Depot in Point Pleasant. I don’t know how they’ve stayed open so long. Down with Puppy Mills!!!!
There is a disgusting place in Middletown, a few of the puppies had blood in their cage and the staff said it’s just heartworm
I agree with the premise and I agree with all posts in this thread. However I would beg caution, its possible that such laws would lead to more puppies being destroyed. Especially if someone with a large dog, that has large litters (greater than 10 puppies) is unable to sell them because there are more than 10.