WANAQUE, NJ, JOINS NATIONAL TREND RECOGNIZING ANIMAL "GUARDIANS
City Council Unanimously Passes "Nathan's Law" to Change Animal Ordinances

Wanaque, NJ — On Monday, May 10, the city of Wanaque, NJ, joined nine cities, one county, and one state in amending its legal ordinances to recognize individuals as the “owner or guardian” of their animal companions, rather than solely the “owner.” Wanaque joins San Francisco, Berkeley, West Hollywood, and Sebastopol, CA; Boulder, CO; Amherst, MA; Sherwood, AR; Menomonee Falls, WI; Woodstock, NY; Marin County, CA; and the state of Rhode Island in passing this important legislation.

A growing number of people see the term “owner” as outdated since it does not reflect the human-animal bond that exists in our culture today. The term “guardian” acknowledges a deeper level of respect, compassion, and responsibility toward our animal companions, and more accurately reflects the close relationship most people have with their “best friends.”

Bruce Zeman, Jr., the Wanaque resident who spearheaded this local effort praised the Wanaque mayor and city council, particularly councilman Stephen Monks, for their support of this legislation. “In becoming the first New Jersey municipality to adopt guardianship language, Mayor Warren Hagstrom and the Council have demonstrated that Wanaque is a forward-thinking community and a great place to raise a family, since all members of our families are valued and cherished.”

Nicknamed “Nathan’s Law,” the Wanaque ordinance was inspired by Zeman’s dog Nathan, who was the subject of a dispute with Zeman’s former landlord. “During the dispute, I discovered that animals are regarded as little more than property in New Jersey,” which is inconsistent with most people’s close relationships with animal companions.

Veterinarian Elliot M. Katz, president of In Defense of Animals, the animal advocacy organization coordinating the effort to recognize people as animals’ “guardians” instead of “owners,” praised the ordinance change. “I am delighted that Wanaque has recognized the importance of this seemingly subtle word change. Because almost all animal abuse and neglect stems from viewing animals as property, this is an important step in changing people’s consciousness regarding the animals with whom we share our lives.”

For more information on the Guardian Campaign, visit GuardianCampaign.org