N.J. Assembly votes to break insurance link to dogs

TRENTON - Owning a dog in New Jersey may soon have no influence on homeowner's insurance.

The Assembly voted, 76-3, yesterday to approve legislation that would prohibit property and casualty insurers from altering a homeowner's insurance policy based on the type of dog kept on the property.

Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D., Union) said homeowners with dogs that have been deemed dangerous have seen premiums drastically increased and in some instances have lost coverage. The Senate can now consider the bill.

- AP