New Jersey’s economy is already in the doghouse. Their business tax climate is the worst in the nation. Yet, instead of focusing on the state’s major problems, there is a push from some legislators to waste time by tightening the leash on dog trainers.
The Assembly is considering an unprecedented state license requirement for dog trainers. Under NJ A4066 (18R), eligible candidates must “be of good moral character”, have successfully completed high school or GED, and pass the qualifying exam.
Since when do they teach dog training in high school? Bill sponsors must think Fluffy requires top notch geometry skills from her instructor.
Additionally, candidates are required to complete an additional 300 hours of supervised training at their expense, unless proof of previous training, as deemed acceptable by the state’s extraneous criteria, is submitted.
While Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, the lead bill sponsor, argues that the license would ensure “that the dogs are being trained professionally, accurately and in a safe environment”, opponents allude to ulterior motives.
“It’s a revenue generator — what we call over here rent seeking — where there’s certain protectionist influences, special interests going to the legislators to start a licensing regime to protect a number of people and their businesses,” Erica Jedynak, of Americans for Prosperity New Jersey said.
These regulations would impose unnecessary and costly obstacles to possible dog lovers looking to enter the industry, all so the state can grab more money to throw around. The rest of the legislature should put this madness down before it’s too late.