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Bergenfield Animal Control Officer: Enforce Puppy Mill Ordinance

EDGEWATER, N.J. — A group of animal-lovers appeared before the Edgewater Mayor and Council expressed concerns that a "No Puppy Mill" ordinance is not being enforced specifically pertaining to a River Road shop.

Dogs at the NY Puppy Club in Edgewater.

Dogs at the NY Puppy Club in Edgewater.

Photo Credit: NY PUPPY CLUB

In October of 2016, Edgewater was among the hundreds of other New Jersey towns adopting a "No Puppy Mill" ordinance, banning the sale of commercially bred puppies.

On Tuesday evening, Linda Taffurelli of Bergenfield — a certified Animal Control Officer — explained that she had just left The New York Puppy Club on River Road, which she said she found to be disturbing.

The store had more than a dozen puppies for sale, most of whom arrived in December and are now nearly seven months old confined to small wire bottom cages, she said.

Tafurelli encouraged the town to send their Health inspector immediately to see the conditions, including a large Yorkie and a small Yorkie blend in the same cage with a Cage card identifying them as a single "Black and White Shitzu", which represents another violation at the state level.

Cages must display cards with the dog's breed, source and last medical exam, according to state law.

The Pet Purchase Protection Act requires breeder inspection reports on display, and also forbids the sale of puppies sourced from Commercial Breeders with violations upon USDA inspections. 

Tafurelli told the Mayor and Council that not only are the state laws being violated with puppies from breeders with violations but the town's own ordinance is being violated by the offer of puppies for sale. 

Tafurelli also expressed concern over a French Bulldog with growths on his head, born in October, arriving to the store in December. 

"This dog is lethargic and too large for the cage that he's been trapped in for over six months now," she said.

"Many of the dogs were filthy, and seemed lethargic and four to six months walking on wire, confined to a cage will do that."

Tafurelli requested that the borough enforce the ordinance adopted in October and in the interim, watch carefully that the puppies are properly cared for, and do not "disappear across the river to one of the other two pet stores the owner has there," she said.

Daily Voice is waiting response from Edgewater Mayor Michael McPartland.

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