Ciesla, Wolfe & Holzapfel

July 16, 2008

Contact: Katie Cocozza / (732) 840-9028
District 10

Senator Andy Ciesla and Assemblymen Dave Wolfe and Jim Holzapfel (all R-10), have called on Senate Economic Growth Committee Chairman Raymond Lesniak and Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Douglas Fisher to hold a hearing on anti-dog chaining legislation which they have sponsored. The bill, S-835/A-902, establishes animal cruelty offenses pertaining to the chaining or cruel restraint of animals.

In a recent article from the Asbury Park Press, volunteers from the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MCSPCA) chained themselves, in the sweltering heat, to doghouses in an attempt to bring awareness to the community about the suffering of chained animals. The volunteers were participating in a nationwide event called “Chain-Off 2008″ which recognizes the need for animal cruelty laws to improve the quality of life for abused or neglected animals.

“People who chain or restrain dogs for long periods of time, to the point where animals cannot care for themselves, are clearly committing acts of animal cruelty, ” said Ciesla. “It is hard to understand why people would do this to animals, especially their family pet. Enforcing harsh penalties such as jail time will make potential animal abusers think twice. It’s time for the committee chairmen and legislative leadership to give these bills the hearing that our pets deserve.”

The legislation sponsored by Ciesla, Wolfe and Holzapfel would subject an owner who chains or restrains an animal in such a way that deprives it of proper food, drink, shelter or protection from weather to a large fine or even imprisonment of up to six months.

Link to Post:

http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/district10/cieslawolfeholzapfel-call-upon-committee-to-consider-anti-dog-chaining-laws/614

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