Bill Text: NJ A4702 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates adoptable dog as NJ State Dog.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-03-20 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee [A4702 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-A4702-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman TIM EUSTACE
District 38 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Designates adoptable dog as State Dog.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act designating the adoptable dog as the State Dog and supplementing chapter 9A of Title 52 of the Revised Statutes.
Whereas, Studies suggest that dog ownership can help improve a person's mental acuity, mobility, and cardiovascular health by reducing stress and increasing their levels of exercise; and
Whereas, Studies have also shown that dog ownership has benefits for children by increasing social skills, development, and behavior, particularly for those with developmental disabilities; and
Whereas, According to the New Jersey Department of Health, thousands of dogs are taken into animal shelters each year and in 2015, over 3,000 dogs were euthanized at such facilities; and
Whereas, Responsible pet ownership, which includes the spaying and neutering of dogs not being actively bred, will help reduce the number of unwanted dogs that are euthanized each year; and
Whereas, Thousands of dogs are currently available for adoption in animal shelters, humane societies, and private rescue groups; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey supports adoption through a shelter instead of purchasing through a pet store; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey recognizes the benefits of dog ownership and wishes to promote animal rescue and adoption; and
Whereas, The adoptable dog is designated as the official State Dog of New Jersey; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The adoptable dog is designated as the New Jersey State Dog.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
Studies suggest that dog ownership can help improve mental acuity, mobility, and cardiovascular health by reducing stress and increasing levels of exercise. Studies have also shown that dog ownership has benefits for children by increasing social skills, development, and behavior. Thousands of dogs are taken into shelters each year and during 2015, over 3,000 dogs were euthanized. Thousands of dogs are currently available for adoption in animal shelters, humane societies, and private rescue groups. New Jersey supports adoption through a shelter instead of purchasing through a pet store and recognizes the benefits of dog ownership. The adoptable dog is designated as the official State Dog of New Jersey.
