Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04
Posted on 11/17/2005 7:33:51 AM PST by ZULU
ASSEMBLY, No. 4425
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
211th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED NOVEMBER 10, 2005
Sponsored by: Assemblyman BRIAN E. RUMPF District 9 (Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean) Assemblyman CHRISTOPHER J. CONNORS District 9 (Atlantic, Burlington and Ocean)
SYNOPSIS "Dog Trainers' Licensing Act."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT As introduced.
AN ACT licensing dog trainers, amending P.L.1971, c.60, P.L.1974, c.46 and P.L.1978, c.73, and supplementing Title 45 of the Revised Statutes.
BE IT ENACTED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. (New section) This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Dog Trainers' Licensing Act."
2. (New section) As used in this act: "Board" means the Dog Trainers' Licensing Board established under section 3 of this act. "Director" means the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. "Dog training" means the handling or training of dogs for which a fee is charged. "Licensed dog trainer" means a person engaged in the practice of dog training who is licensed pursuant to the provisions of this act.
3. (New section) There is created within the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety the Dog Trainers' Licensing Board. The board shall consist of nine members who are residents of this State and who, except for the member from the department in the Executive Branch of State Government, shall be appointed by the Governor. In addition to the two public members appointed to represent the interests of the public pursuant to the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1971, c.60 (C.45:1-2.2), one member shall be from a department in the Executive Branch of State Government who shall serve without compensation at the pleasure of the Governor; four members shall be, except for the members first appointed, licensed dog trainers under the provisions of this act; one member shall be a veterinarian licensed in this State; and one member shall be affiliated with an animal protection group. The Governor shall appoint each member, other than the State executive department member, for terms of four years, except that of the members first appointed, two shall serve for a term of four years, two shall serve for a term of three years, two shall serve for a term of two years, and two shall serve for terms of one year. Any vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner provided for the original appointment. No member of the board may serve more than two successive terms in addition to any unexpired term to which he has been appointed. The Governor may remove any member of the board, other than the State executive department member, for cause.
4. (New section) The board shall organize within 30 days after the appointment of its members and shall annually elect from among its members a chairperson and vice-chairperson, and shall appoint a secretary who need not be a member of the board. The board shall meet twice a year and may hold additional meetings as necessary to discharge its duties. A majority of the board membership shall constitute a quorum.
5. (New section) The board shall: a. Adopt a seal to authenticate its records and proceedings; b. Prescribe rules pertaining to types and methods of examination of applicants for licensure; c. Examine and pass on the qualifications of applicants for licensure under this act, and issue a license to each qualified and successful applicant, attesting to his professional qualification to practice as a licensed dog trainer; d. Keep records of its proceedings and a register of all persons to whom licenses have been granted, and a record of all license renewals, suspensions and revocations; e. Maintain records of expenses incurred by members of the board in the performance of their duties; f. Take disciplinary action, in accordance with P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), against any licensed dog trainer who violates the provisions of this act or any regulation promulgated hereunder; g. Adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) as it deems necessary to administer the provisions of this act; and h. Pursuant to P.L.1974, c.46 (C.45:1-3.1 et seq.), prescribe or change the charges for examination, licensure, renewal and other services performed.
6. (New section) There shall be an Executive Director of the board appointed by the director who shall serve at the director's pleasure. The salary of the Executive Director shall be determined by the director within the limit of available funds. The director may, within the limits of available funds, hire any assistants as are necessary to administer this act.
7. (New section) No person shall practice, attempt to practice, or hold himself out as being able to practice dog training unless that person is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this act.
8. (New section) To be eligible to be licensed as a dog trainer, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements: a. Be at least 18 years of age; b. Be of good moral character; c. Have successfully completed an approved general education course of study through the 12th grade, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the board; and d. Pass an examination administered or approved by the board to determine the applicant's competence to practice dog training.
9. (New section) Each applicant for a license as a dog trainer shall be examined by the board. The examination shall be held at least twice a year at the times and places to be determined by the board; except that a person 18 years of age or older, of good moral character who submits proof no later than 180 days after the date procedures are established by the board for applying for licensure under this section, which proof is satisfactory to the board, that the person has engaged in the practice of dog training in this State for at least one year prior to the effective date of this act, and who has not committed any act which would be grounds for disciplinary action under P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), shall be issued a license without examination.
10. (New section) a. All licenses shall be issued for a two-year period and shall be renewed upon filing a renewal application. b. All applicants shall pay a fee for licensure or renewal for licensure under this act. Fees shall be determined by the board and established by regulation. The revenue generated from these fees shall not exceed the operating costs incurred by the board in administering this act.
11. Section 1 of P.L.1971, c.60 (C.45:1-2.1) is amended to read as follows: 1. The provisions of this act shall apply to the following boards and commissions: the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy, the New Jersey State Board of Architects, the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey, the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, the State Board of Medical Examiners, the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists, the State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians, the Board of Pharmacy, the State Board of Professional Planners, the State Board of Psychological Examiners, the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, the State Board of Shorthand Reporting, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, the Acupuncture Examining Board, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the State Board of Respiratory Care, the State Real Estate Appraiser Board, the State Board of Social Work Examiners, the State Board of Public Movers and Warehousemen [and], the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners and the Dog Trainers' Licensing Board. (cf: P.L.2003, c.18, s.18)
12. Section 1 of P.L.1974, c.46 (C.45:1-3.1) is amended to read as follows: 1. The provisions of this act shall apply to the following boards and commissions: the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy, the New Jersey State Board of Architects, the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey, the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, the State Board of Medical Examiners, the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists, the State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians, the Board of Pharmacy, the State Board of Professional Planners, the State Board of Psychological Examiners, the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, the State Board of Shorthand Reporting, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, the Acupuncture Examining Board, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the State Board of Respiratory Care, the State Real Estate Appraiser Board, the New Jersey Cemetery Board, the State Board of Social Work Examiners [and], the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners and the Dog Trainers' Licensing Board. (cf: P.L.2003, c.261, s.39)
13. Section 2 of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-15) is amended to read as follows: 2. The provisions of this act shall apply to the following boards and all professions or occupations regulated by, through or with the advice of those boards: the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy, the New Jersey State Board of Architects, the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey, the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, the State Board of Medical Examiners, the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists, the State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians, the Board of Pharmacy, the State Board of Professional Planners, the State Board of Psychological Examiners, the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, the State Board of Shorthand Reporting, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, the Acupuncture Examining Board, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the State Board of Respiratory Care, the State Real Estate Appraiser Board, the State Board of Social Work Examiners, the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee, the New Jersey Cemetery Board, the Orthotics and Prosthetics Board of Examiners, the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, the Electrologists Advisory Committee, the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee, the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm, and Locksmith Advisory Committee, the Home Inspection Advisory Committee, the Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Therapy Examining Committee, [and], the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee and the Dog Trainers' Licensing Board. (cf: P.L.2003, c.18, s.20)
14. This act shall take effect immediately but shall not be operative until the 180th day after enactment.
STATEMENT
This bill provides for the regulation and licensing of dog trainers. The bill establishes the Dog Trainers' Licensing Board in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, which shall consist of nine members. Two members shall be public members; four members shall be licensed dog trainers, except for the members first appointed; one member shall be a veterinarian licensed in this State; one member shall be affiliated with an animal protection group; and one member shall be a State executive department member. The bill permits the board to establish fees for those licensed under this bill and incorporates the terms of the law on fees of professional boards, P.L.1974, c.46 (C.45:1-3.1 et seq.), and the uniform enforcement and procedure act, P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), for enforcement of standards and punishment of violations. To be eligible to be licensed as a dog trainer, an applicant shall: be at least 18 years of age; be of good moral character; have successfully completed an approved general education course of study through the 12th grade, or the equivalent therof as determined by the board; and pass an examination administered or approved by the board to determine the applicant's competence to practice dog training. However, a person 18 years of age or older, of good moral character who submits proof no later than 180 days after the date procedures are established by the board for applying for licensure, and who has engaged in the practice of dog training in this State for at least one year prior to the effective date of this act, and who has not committed any act which would be a ground for disciplinary action under P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-14 et seq.), shall be issued a license without examination.
Check it out. Their bills are posted on the internet so we can all laugh.
Do you think they really care about the level of education provided to Rover, or do you think they view this as just another oppotunity to reach into some businessman's pocket and steal his money??
New Jersey is a perfect (basket) case of what we can expcet if the liberal lunatics from New York take the entire country over.
Who is going to write the test? I used to train dogs for people. There are a zillion different methods out there, and many of them work. Who is the arbiter of which is correct? We dog people argue among ourselves all the time.
This is typical government silliness. And, I don't even think you really need a HS diploma or GED to be a wonderful dog trainer.
Of course, there seems to be a rash of pet related bills going on. PAWS for instance.
susie
it seems these assmblymen needed to create another board because they are over stocked with cronies that are waiting to be appointed to something
My guess, Susie, is that the people in Trenton are only interetedin another revenue source. The even require interior decorators to have a special state license over there. Eventually, a garbage collector in New Jersey will need a special "Santiation Worker's Permit" issued by the state board of health and complete a special course in driving a garbage truck and picking up garbage cans - along with a fee to the state for the license of course.
Its getting as bad a France before the French Revolution over there. But even the French have more guts than the average New Jerseyite. They just paying Trenton whatever they ask for, and keep voting the same crooks back into office.
They get their homeowners rebate just before the election there and joyously go out and re-elect the crooks in office who were using the money the voter should have had in THEIR bank account, drwaing interest, in the first place.
New Jersey is The Twilight Zone of America.
The sheep/peones/vassals must not have weapons or trained protection dogs.
The State/King feels threatend
That's probably right on. However, the AR folks are sponsoring a raft of Pet legislation right now. I only know because it's something I keep up with via all of my dog related lists.
susie
Hey. I missed that one. You're right. They can reward their cronies with political appointments. If they do a good job overseeing dog licenses, maybe they move on to a cushy, well-paid, practically no show slot on the Casino Control Commission, State Parole Board, Turnpike Authory, or some similar body - and get a handsome pension in the process!!
Isn't government wonderful in New Jersey?
You are quite right. I have trained dogs and my father was a dog trainer with international renoun. Every dog is different and some require dramatically different methods than others.
Another issue is the content tested by the board exam. Is it specific to simple obedience / pet quality type training? What about dog trainers for police forces or for entertainment venues? What about more advanced training like tracking, open, or utility? What about manwork? How would this affect dog clubs that have classes where they essentially teach you to train your dog?
What I'd be more worried about is the animal rights activists (one position required on the board) that will force positive reinforment techniques to the point where they become silly. It will be training the PETA way or no trianing at all. Prong collars and choke chains are prime examples of controversial training tools that do have a place if used properly.
I see a New Jersey with a lot fewer trained dogs and a lot more out of control ones.
Isn't it strange that the same people who agonize over failing students in academic courses want to pass laws preventing them from earning an honest living in fields where academic training is irrelevant.
All excellent points. I have a deep distrust of the AR people, so I expect they are neck deep in this. After all, Ingrid Newkirk's goal is for animals to be enjoyed at a distance. Not as pets (slaves).
susie
How do I get on your doggie ping list??
I can't beleive I've never noticed it before!
susie
Well at this point they're grandfathering in all dog trainers who have been training dogs for at least a year without any competency test.
Honestly, if written by dog people, I'd love to weed out the stupid clicker-trainer people who are experienced training shelties and golden retrievers for AKC obedience and so put up a shingle calling themselves a dog trainer.
They don't have a clue how to handle a dog who actually needs trained, or has a difficult behavior problem... I've seen it.
Heh... oh well.
It hasn't been a secret! But I'll put you on now :~D
Cal - NJ & animals ping
Ya need a license to train dogs, but not make babies. Hmmm.
Cat trainers, however, remain unlicensed.
Hmm...I trained golden retrievers for the most part (that's what I raise/show). I always turned away dogs with aggression problems, for instance, because it wasn't something I felt comfortable handling.
I also stopped training (professionally) about the time clickers came into vogue, so I can't say if I would have liked or used it. However, the principal is sound (insofar as I understand it--I have never gone to a seminar on it tho).
But, you just underlined my point. There are alot of different ideas about what works, and it depends on the dog and the particular problem you're dealing with. Who decides? Better to let the market decide (in my opinion). Things that don't work will be cast into the dustbin (for the most part).
susie
Thank you!
susie
That would be good area for liscencing - animal behaviorist, but not a simple trainer. I've fostered animals that had degrees of behavior issues that a lot of quacks would anthopomorphize. And too many AR types do just that - assign complicated human thought processes onto animals. The big problem with liscencing is that politics takes over. The training will have to follow how the political wind blows. Look what's happened to psychology and psychiatry and the reworking of definitions to suit political goals. Homosexuality was removed as a mental disorder. There is even a movement to make pedophelia a sexual orientation (whci would carry civil rights protections), thereby giving legitimacy to child molestors, and possibly even legal protection from prosecution.
I actually have all the docs that this one birthed from. My forum was hacked last night though and I have to get it restored first before I can add the info here.
Thanks for the ping!
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