Animal advocates who were up in arms concerning New Jersey Governor Christie's potential signing of Bill S-2923 are cheering his decision to conditionally veto the bill, which would have negated the seven-day hold in existence at NJ animal shelters.
Governor Christie maintains that the seven-day hold is still required and necessary for animals brought to NJ shelters before they can be adopted, transferred, or euthanized, as reported today.
If approved, the legislation would have allowed animals to be transferred or euthanized before a seven-day hold; even as quickly as 24 hours after they'd entered the shelter. The shelter staff would have been the sole determinants of whether an animal's health, age, or behavior warranted euthanization. A family would be devastated to find that their beloved pet was euthanized before they had a chance to properly look for it. Now guardians have the peace that their pet is safe (at least for a week!) when brought to a NJ shelter.
Animal advocates felt that an older dog, a mildly ill dog, or a dog who showed some uncharacteristic aggression out of fear would fall into this category and would not be given the chance of finding a good home, because shelter staff would be authorized to decide their fate.
This seven-day hold could be the difference between life and death for an animal brought to a NJ shelter.
Thanks to Governor Christie for making a great decision regarding New Jersey's shelter animals! And thanks to all who wrote, called, emailed, and petitioned for this bill to be vetoed! Your actions DO make a difference, and might have been the reason Gov. Christie decided to veto the bill.
Want to send him a quick thank-you note to let him know we appreciate his decision? Email him here!
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