The Humane Pet Store Bill (S2511/A4051) is a critical piece of pending legislation in New Jersey that seeks to ban the sale of commercially bred rabbits, cats, and dogs in pet stores. By doing so, the bill aims to shut down a key pipeline for unethical breeding operations that supply animals to retail outlets under poor and inhumane conditions. While the bill applies to multiple species, the plight of rabbits deserves special attention, as they are one of the most vulnerable animals sold in pet stores and often face severe mistreatment in commercial breeding facilities.
The Issue: Commercial Rabbit Breeding
Rabbits, like dogs and cats, are highly social and intelligent animals that require significant care and attention. Unfortunately, the pet store industry often views them as commodities, selling them to consumers who may be unprepared for their needs. Many of the rabbits sold in stores are sourced from large-scale breeding facilities that focus on profit, not animal welfare. Conditions in these mills are typically cramped, unsanitary, and devoid of proper veterinary care or socialization, leading to severe health and behavioral problems for the animals involved.
Bill sponsors, Senators Stack and Mukherji, said: “New Jersey pet shops selling puppies, kittens and bunnies raised in shockingly cruel conditions is simply against the values of our pet-loving state. We’re proud to sponsor S2511 to give companion animals the protections they deserve, protect consumers and ensure that the few stores currently selling puppies transition to a more humane business model.”
When rabbits are sold in pet stores, they are often purchased on impulse, especially around holidays like Easter, without full consideration of the long-term commitment required. As a result, many rabbits are surrendered to shelters when their caregivers realize they are not low-maintenance animals. Shelters, already strained with overpopulation, bear the burden of caring for these surrendered rabbits, which often come in poor health due to their origin in mills.
Brian Hackett, director of government and community relations for Associated Humane Societies, New Jersey’s largest animal sheltering and protection organization, said: “Especially at a time when animal shelters across the country are facing a crisis in capacity and struggling to help animals and people, it is imperative to pass S.2511 and support responsible pet acquisition. When our shelters receive sick and behaviorally challenged pets people bought from pet stores, we bear all the costs, while the retail puppy outlets make thousands in profits pushing cruelly bred puppies from mills onto unsuspecting consumers.”
By banning the sale of rabbits in pet stores, the Humane Pet Store Bill aims to prevent this cycle of neglect, encouraging adoption from shelters and rescues instead. Adopting rabbits through these channels ensures that caregivers are better informed and prepared for the responsibility, leading to happier, healthier outcomes for both rabbits and humans.
Legislative Progress and Precedents
New Jersey is not the first state to propose such a ban. California set a precedent in 2019 with its “Pet Rescue and Adoption Act,” which prohibits pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits. New York followed in 2022 with a similar law, which will go into effect in December 2024. These laws have significantly reduced the market for mill-bred animals and promoted the adoption of homeless animals from shelters and rescues instead.
In addition to California and New York, states like Maryland, Illinois, Washington, and Oregon have passed similar laws, signaling a growing trend across the country. New Jersey’s bill (S2511/A4051) is part of this humane movement, addressing the mistreatment of animals and promoting responsible pet acquisition. The bill also seeks to protect consumers from the predatory practices of pet stores that often sell sick or genetically compromised animals, leaving caregivers with enormous vet bills and heartbreak.
Kathleen Schatzmann, strategic legislative affairs manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said: “As New York’s puppy mill sales ban approaches this December, the urgency for action in New Jersey cannot be overstated. It is critical that we prevent the Garden State from becoming a haven for unscrupulous breeders and safeguard against the serious animal welfare and consumer protection concerns associated with selling commercially raised puppies, kittens and rabbits in pet stores. We commend the S2511/A4051 sponsors for addressing this issue.”
Why It Matters for Rabbits
For rabbits, this legislation is particularly important. While cats and dogs are more commonly associated with puppy mills, rabbits also suffer from similar unethical breeding practices. Many commercial breeders house rabbits in tiny cages with little space to move, inadequate sanitation, and no veterinary care. The result is a host of health problems that may not be immediately apparent when the animal is sold to an unsuspecting consumer.
The consequences for rabbits sold in pet stores can be dire. Without proper socialization and medical care, rabbits from commercial breeding operations are more prone to illness, aggression, and behavioral issues. These challenges often lead to abandonment or surrender to shelters. By removing the financial incentive for pet stores to sell rabbits, New Jersey can help reduce the demand for commercial breeders and improve the welfare of rabbits statewide.
According to an April 2024 article from HSUS, “This legislation has widespread support from animal welfare organizations, humane pet stores, veterinarians and cities and counties across the state. Notably, the 48 pet stores that support this bill outnumber the 17 stores that are currently selling puppies in the state.”
What You Can Do to Support the Bill
If you’re a New Jersey resident who cares about animal welfare, there are several ways you can support the Humane Pet Store Bill (S2511/A4051). Public pressure and advocacy are essential for ensuring that this bill becomes law.
1. Contact Your Legislators: Reach out to your state senators and assembly members to voice your support for the bill. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has an automated form for NJ residents to contact their representatives about this bill. Personal letters or phone calls are often more impactful than emails, but any form of contact helps. Let them know that as a constituent, you believe this bill is necessary to protect animals and consumers alike.
2. Write Letters to the Editor: Submitting letters to local newspapers is a great way to raise awareness about the issue and encourage other residents to take action. Focus on the importance of adopting animals from shelters and the dangers of supporting commercial breeding operations. Mention how the bill will help reduce the burden on shelters and improve animal welfare in the state.
3. Spread the Word on Social Media: Share information about the bill on your social media platforms. Use hashtags like #HumanePetStoreBill, #AdoptDontShop, and #StopPuppyMills to engage with a larger audience. You can also share stories of your own rescue rabbits to highlight the benefits of adoption.
4. Support Local Rescues: In addition to advocating for the bill, you can support the cause by volunteering at or donating to local rabbit rescues and animal shelters. These organizations are often overwhelmed with the number of rabbits needing homes and could use both financial and volunteer support.
5. Attend Local Hearings or Demonstrations: Stay informed about the bill’s progress and any upcoming legislative hearings. Public presence at these hearings can make a significant difference, showing lawmakers that there is widespread support for humane animal policies.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that New Jersey joins the growing list of states that prioritize animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. The Humane Pet Store Bill is a necessary step toward a future where rabbits and other animals are no longer treated as disposable commodities but as the intelligent, social companions they are.
Additional Resources
- NJ S2511 status via Bill Track 50
- Guide to rabbit sale laws in the USA via WabbitWiki
- 2024 status of all pending State legislation regarding rabbit sales via American Pet Products Association.
