Don't Give Animal Abusers the Chance to Do it Again
- by: Alicia Graef
- recipient: New Jersey Senate
Moose's Law was inspired by the heartbreaking story of a chocolate lab named Moose who went missing in New Jersey in May of 2012.
His owners frantically searched for him, but he was returned later by Jacquelin Lockard, a "novice rescuer and trainer" who had found him and sold him to a couple in Pennsylvania who agreed to let her train him - even though she knew he was being searched for. She ended up killing him when she left him crated in a hot car and returned his body claiming she found him dead.
Lockard pleaded guilty to failing to return property and animal cruelty charges for both Moose and one of her own dogs, but has yet to be sentenced.
This case raised concerns about those who abuse animals being given the opportunity to do it again with their own pets and other animals, especially when it comes to people who work with them.
Moose's law will help protect pets by banning animal abusers from owning a pet again or working in an animal-related field, requiring them to forfeit their own animals and will give animal-related enterprises ranging from zoos and pet stores to veterinary practices and rescues the tools and authorization to run background checks in order to ensure they are not employing anyone guilty of animal cruelty.
It will also create a public list of offenders so anyone who adopts or sells animals would be able to check it.
A version of the bill just passed the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority and will now move on to the Senate for consideration.
Please sign this petition asking New Jersey Senators to help keep companion animals safe by passing Moose's Law.
As an animal lover, I was heartbroken to learn about the story of Moose, a chocolate lab who went missing and was later returned by Jacquelin Lockard, a "novice rescuer and trainer" who had found him, sold him to a couple in Pennsylvania who agreed to let her train him - even though she knew he was being searched for - and ended up killing him when she left him crated in a hot car.
I am writing to ask you to support Moose's Law, which will help protect pets by banning animal abusers from owning a pet or working in an animal-related field and requiring them to forfeit their own animals. It will also give animal-related enterprises ranging from zoos and pet stores to veterinary practices and rescues the tools and authorization to run background checks in order to ensure they are not employing anyone guilty of animal cruelty. Additionally, it will create a public registry of abusers that those who adopt or sell animals can check.
People should not have to worry about those who work with their pets, or any animals, having a history of animal cruelty and abuse and abusers shouldn't get a chance to continue hurting animals or get easy access to potential innocent victims.
I sincerely hope you will help keep pets in New Jersey safe by passing Moose's Law.
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