The recent pit bull case of Michael Vick and DMX are about more than animal abuse.

Each and every year in New Jersey, nearly a quarter million pets are dumped at taxpayers' expense at local shelters. Irresponsible pet owners, pet hoarders and unscrupulous breeders have set off nonstop pet population explosions. Shelters are often bursting at the seams with unadoptable dogs like pit bulls and hundreds of cats confiscated from pet hoarders.

Many backyard and basement breeders operate their "businesses" unfettered, unregulated and unlicensed. In addition, amateur breeders who profit thousands of dollars a year from pet sales fail to report said income to state or federal authorities. Were this any other under-the-table operation, tax and revenue departments would be demanding a full and lawful accounting of such revenue streams and schemes.

There is a remedy for state legislators to consider adopting. It is the mandatory neutering and spaying ordinance of Camden. Anyone harboring intact pets must pay for a yearly breeder's license.

In addition, a business tax identification number must be obtained from the New Jersey Division of Revenue. Permitting unlicensed, unregulated and untaxed breeding of pets must cease. Non-petowning taxpayers must not be burdened by problems created solely by irresponsible domestic pet owners and fanciers.

John Sewell

Margate