Union County Pet Store Ordered To Pay $10K For Violating NJ Pet Protection Act: AG

UNION, NJ — Shake A Paw was named by Attorney General Matthew Platkin on Thursday in a group of eight pet stores that were issued Notices of Violation for violating New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act.

"The claims issued today by the New Jersey Attorney General are completely without merit, without basis, and entirely false — a baseless attack built on false allegations," said Jeffrey Morton, Shake A Paw President.

The Pet Purchase Protection Act is a state law that safeguards customers from unknowingly buying unhealthy pets and stops stores from selling animals from breeding mills and other questionable sources. Shake A Paw's Green Brook location was also issued violation notices for their alleged actions.

"The so-called 'violations' stem from an inspection conducted over 11 months ago. After almost a year has passed, we still have been unable to meet with the State, despite repeated requests," said Morton. "These allegations are purely administrative in nature and have nothing whatsoever to do with the health and well-being of our beautiful, healthy puppies. A Notice of Violation is not a finding of guilt. It is an allegation — nothing more. We categorically deny these claims and will vigorously contest them."

A series of unannounced inspections led to the following violations issued for Shake A Paw at 2195 Route 22 W in Union:

• Failed to list on the cage or enclosure for each animal in the cage or enclosure a sign listing the place of birth for each animal in cage or enclosure in violation of the Pet Protection Act, specifically, N.J.S.A. 56:8-95(c)(1)
• Failed to list on the cage or enclosure for each animal in the cage or enclosure a sign listing the actual or approximate age of each animal in the cage or enclosure in violation of the Pet Protection Act, specifically, N.J.S.A. 56:8-95(c)(1)
• Failed to list the breeder's state license number, in violation of the Pet Protection Act N.J.S.A. 56:8- 95(f)(7)
• Failed to update information require to be posted and make changes as necessary to all signage so that the public has access to the correct information at all times, N.J.S.A 56:8-95(с)

Shake A Paw was fined a total of $10,744.91. Shake A Paw in Union and Green Brook previously received violations in January 2016.

"For over 30 years, Shake A Paw has proudly served New Jersey families with honesty, transparency, and the highest standards of animal care. That commitment has not changed," said Morton.

The Pet Purchase Protection Act:

• Requires that cage labels contain the name, street address, web address, and license numbers for each animal’s breeder and broker. Labels must also include the date and place of each animal’s birth; its age, sex, and identifying markings including any tag, tattoo, collar number, or microchip information; the date of its initial medical exam and the name and address of the vet who examined it. 
• Mandates on-cage display of the “Know Your Rights” sign informing consumers that stores are required to prominently display the two most recent inspections of the facility in which an animal was bred and housed prior to sale. The sign must direct consumers to request any reports not displayed and inform consumers how they can obtain more information about inspections. 
• Requires that an animal be examined by a New Jersey veterinarian within five days of being offered for sale and that those results be included in the animal’s history and health certificate. 
• Mandate that if an animal was examined more than 14 days before it is purchased, the pet must be re-examined within three days of delivery to the consumer (unless the consumer declines the re-examination in writing). 
• Forbids the sale of any animal purchased from a breeder or broker who doesn’t hold required state and federal licenses; has violated certain animal welfare laws in the past two years; or has refused to grant inspectors access to its facilities within the past two years. 

“Ensuring transparency in New Jersey’s marketplace is essential, especially when it comes to buying a pet,” says Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, Elizabeth M. Harris. “No one should have to suffer the heartache of unwittingly purchasing a sick puppy and then being forced to choose between paying costly vet fees or losing their pet. Through our ongoing inspections of pet stores throughout the state, we will continue to identify and sanction retailers who keep consumers in the dark about the background and health of the pets they buy.”

To learn more about what’s required under New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act and what rights consumers have under the law, go to the Division’s "Purchasing a Pet," consumer brief, which is available in English and in Spanish on the Division’s website at njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Pages/consumerbriefs.aspx.

Other pet stores that received violations included Mama’s and Papa’s Pet Shop of Englewood, Silver Nickel Puppies at Troy's Trims & Treats in Englewood, Pet Crew Pet Shop in Newark, Oh My Dog LLC in Kearny, Carmona Pet Shop Inc. in Union City, Pet Center in Old Bridge, and Shake A Paw in Green Brook.

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