Sponsored by:
Assemblyman JAMES J. KENNEDY
District 22 (Middlesex, Somerset and Union)
Assemblyman JON M. BRAMNICK
District 21 (Morris, Somerset and Union)
SYNOPSIS
Permits animal facilities to use artificial turf in outdoor enclosures.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning outdoor enclosures at animal facilities and supplementing Title 4 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 14 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.14) and any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto to the contrary, the surfaces of an outdoor animal enclosure of a kennel, pet shop, shelter, or pound may be constructed of artificial turf, provided the turf allows for proper drainage of stormwater runoff and can be readily cleaned and disinfected.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would permit animal facilities to use artificial turf in outdoor animal enclosures. Under current health regulations, the surfaces of outdoor animal enclosures at kennels, pet shops, shelters, and pounds must be constructed and maintained so that they are impervious to moisture and may be readily cleaned and disinfected (N.J.A.C.8:23A-1.5). This regulation was adopted to ensure proper sanitation at animal facilities, and to prevent the spread of diseases. However, the regulation effectively prohibits facilities from using state-of-the-art artificial turfs, which provide clean and safe surfaces for outdoor enclosures for pets. This bill would permit animal facilities to use artificial turf in outdoor animal enclosures, provided the turf allows for proper drainage and can be readily cleaned and disinfected.