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Council bans backyard breeding and unregulated sales of dogs, cats and rabbits after rescue advocates' testimony
Summary
After rescue groups described health, shelter and public-safety problems tied to backyard breeding and informal sales facilities, the Jersey City Council unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting commercial backyard breeding and restricting retail sales of dogs, cats and rabbits.
The Jersey City Municipal Council adopted ordinance 26-038 on June 24 banning backyard breeding and limiting unregulated sales of dogs, cats and rabbits across the city, after a public hearing filled with animal-welfare advocates and rescuers who described the impacts of puppy- and kitten-mill practices and improper sales.
Rescue volunteers and advocates told council members that backyard breeding drives poor animal health, increases shelter intake and leaves animals with behavioral and medical issues. ‘‘Backyard breeding isn't accidental. It's breeding animals for money, for convenience, not for health or safety, and it's quietly fueling the shelter crisis,’’ said Elsa Bermudez, who recounted rescuing a puppy sold too young and left without maternal care. Rescuers described the burdens that volunteer-run rescues carry when animals are surrendered or found abandoned.
Council sponsors argued the measure will improve public health and strengthen enforcement. Councilperson Little, who led the ordinance, thanked advocates for years of work and said the change will give local code enforcement and animal-control staff a clearer legal basis to act. Animal advocates told the chamber they had coordinated spay/neuter and trap-neuter-return programs and urged stronger penalties for illegal breeders.
What happens next: The ordinance was adopted on final reading and becomes municipal code. City staff and animal-control officers will implement regulations and enforcement steps; advocates asked for coordination with the shelter and a public outreach campaign.
Votes and formal action: ordinance 26-038 (ban on backyard breeding and unregulated sales) — adopted unanimously, 9-0.
