One Bill Was Inspired by Patrick,
the Newark Pitbull Who Was Nearly Starved to Death and Thrown Down a Garbage
Shute
(TRENTON) – The Assembly on Monday
approved a two-bill package sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Burzichelli, L.
Grace Spencer, Angel Fuentes, John F. McKeon, Nelson Albano and Bob Andrzejczak
to crack down on animal abuse and neglect.
The
first bill (A-798), sponsored by Burzichelli, Spencer and Fuentes, received
final legislative approval by a vote of 75-1 and now heads to the Governor’s
desk. The legislation was inspired by the treatment of Patrick, a pit bull in
Newark who was starved to an extremely emaciated condition, placed in a garbage
bag, and dropped down a garbage chute in an apartment complex in the city. The
dog is now recuperating and being cared for after a maintenance person in the
building collecting garbage noticed movement in one of the garbage bags and
found the dog still alive inside.
“Patrick’s case gripped our state
because of the utterly inhumane treatment this innocent animal received,” said
Burzichelli (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “No living creature should ever
have to be subjected to that. Hopefully this law will make anyone think twice
before treating an animal in such a way.”
“Patrick’s case was heartbreaking and
absolutely needless,” said Spencer (D-Essex). “It should never have come to
this. “Whether it’s the inability to care for an animal or simply a complete
lack of compassion, this type of inhumane treatment will not be tolerated.”
Specifically, the bill would make it
a crime of the fourth degree for needlessly killing an animal or creature by
depriving them of “necessary care” such as proper food, drink, shelter, or
protection from the weather. Anyone found guilty of violating this provision
would be subject to a fine ranging from $1000 - 3000, up to 18 months
imprisonment or both.
“It was
inspiring to see the outpouring of support Patrick received after being rescued
and thankfully he’s doing better now,” said Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester).
“It’s my hope that this bill will send a message loud and clear that we are not
going to tolerate the utterly inhumane treatment of any living
creature.”
“Patrick’s case was simply
heartbreaking and anyone who commits such crimes should have the full weight of
the law thrown at them,” said McKeon (D-Essex/Morris). “There is no place in
our modern society for such inhumane treatment and disregard for any living
creature.”
The
second bill (A-3902), sponsored by Albano and Andrzejczak and approved by a vote
of 78 to 0, would establish requirements concerning standards for the care of
dogs in all pet shops licensed and operating in the state as a condition of pet
shop licensure.
“There
is a need to elevate the seriousness with which we address animal cruelty
offenses because offenders too often receive minimal or no penalties for various
offenses,” said Albano (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “We’ve evolved a great
deal as a society over the last century and our laws pertaining to the treatment
of all living things should reflect that.”
“Hopefully this bill will assist in
rooting out some bad actors in the industry and improve the overall treatment
and quality of life for the pets they house,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape
May/Atlantic/Cumberland).
The
second measure now awaits consideration by the Senate.
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