A 4051 New Jersey General Assembly · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; repeals "Pet Purchase Protection Act."

This bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." It establishes a $500 fine for violations and allows pet shops to sell other animals or pet supplies, while enabling collaboration with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" for animals and specifies that an animal's death within 14 days of sale (except by accident) would be considered evidence of being unfit. It also prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, and pounds from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for compensation. The law does not affect pet dealers (not pet shops) or consumer rights for animals purchased from them.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 11, 2024 Last action Jan 8, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Jan 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported out of Assembly Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
lower
Jan 8, 2026
Committee
Recommitted to Assembly Appropriations Committee
lower
Dec 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
lower
Dec 15, 2025
Committee
Transferred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
lower
Dec 16, 2024
Lower · Passed
Not reported out of Assembly Committee with substitute Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
lower
Mar 11, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee
lower
3 primary · 36 co-sponsors

Sponsors