NJ Senate Approves Bill Requiring New Pet Stores To Only Sell Shelter/Rescue Cats And Dogs

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A measure that would require new pet stores in New Jersey to only sell cats and dogs from shelters and animal rescue organizations has advanced.

The state Senate approved the measure on Thursday, but it still needs to be debated in the state Assembly.

Sen. Ray Lesniak argues that the bill is needed to end abuse at so-called puppy mills.

But the chief executive of the Washington-based Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council told The Record newspaper that the bill comes from a good place, but does some very bad things.

Mike Bober says the bill would make it difficult for new stores to open and would weaken the state's pet protection law.

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