Sponsored by:
Senator JEFF VAN DREW
District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)
SYNOPSIS
Endorses American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution endorsing the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program and supporting its effort to promote responsible dog ownership.
Whereas, Dogs play an important role in the lives of many New Jersey citizens by serving as friends and companions, and by providing therapy and assistance; and
Whereas, It is recognized that dog related problems are most often caused by irresponsible owners; and
Whereas, Responsible dog ownership is encouraged in New Jersey and responsible owners properly control and provide adequate training for their dogs; and
Whereas, The Canine Good Citizen program identifies and officially recognizes those dogs who behave as members in good standing with the community; and
Whereas, The Canine Good Citizen program, which was developed by the American Kennel Club, teaches pet owners that dogs should exhibit "good citizen" behaviors in the presence of other people and animals, both in the home and in the community; and
Whereas, With concerns about pet bites and animal trespassing on the rise, there is a need for "Canine Good Citizens" to be ambassadors of model pet behavior; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House finds that dog training programs and kennel clubs assist and educate community pet owners. These programs ensure that owners become aware of their responsibilities and their dogs are "Canine Good Citizens." This House encourages trainers and kennels to continue providing such services and further endorses the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program and supports its effort to promote responsible dog ownership.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Governor of New Jersey and to the President of the American Kennel Club.
STATEMENT
This resolution encourages trainers and kennels to continue providing programs such as the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program which identifies and officially recognizes those dogs who behave as members in good standing with the community. The Canine Good Citizen program teaches pet owners that dogs should exhibit certain behavior both in the home and in the community. These programs increase responsible ownership, thereby decreasing dog related problems in the community.
According to the American Kennel Club, at least 40 states and the United States Senate have passed Canine Good Citizen resolutions or proclamations.