Reader supports the Healthy Pets Act

It’s time to call a feral cat trap, neuter and release (TNR) program what it actually is (“Animal rights group thanks Matawan Library,” letters, July 5). It’s a program that does not solve a problem, but rather exacerbates it. The notion that the goal is to reduce the feral population is a real farce.

Atlantic City’s feral cat population continues to expand after years and years of TNR operation. The continuous daily feeding of these cats by leaving large quantities of both dry and canned cat food outdoors draws vermin and other wildlife such as raccoons and opossum. In communities where bear encroachment is a serious problem, leaving open can of odorous cat food for feral/stray cats will undoubtedly and dangerously attract bears into these communities.

It’s time to follow the lead of the California Legislature and pet-loving folks like Bob Barker. It’s time to put an end to pet overpopulation, pet abuse and unwanted pet abandonment in New Jersey. California Assembly Bill 1634 – known as the California Healthy Pets Act – requires what is long overdue in N.J: mandatory spaying and neutering of all cats and dogs unless the owner of such pets secures an annual breeder’s license.

In addition, New Jersey must stipulate all pets be microchipped or tattooed. In England, the return rate on “lost” pets went from a pathetic, paltry 5 percent to an astounding 95 percent success rate. The time of dumping hundreds of thousands of unwanted pets on shelters each year in New Jersey – at the expense of taxpayers – must stop. Likewise, New Jersey must bar the practice of bringing unwanted pets from overcrowded shelters in surrounding states into New Jersey.

Tolerating irresponsible pet ownership must cease for the well-being of these neglected and abused animals. Please write your legislators in Trenton and demand the Healthy Pets Act today! For more information on the Healthy Pets Act,

visit www.cahealthypets.com/

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John Sewell

Margate