reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-15.33 - Registry of animal rescue organizations, facilities.

4:19-15.33 Registry of animal rescue organizations, facilities.
6. a. The Department of Health shall establish a registry of animal rescue organizations and their facilities in the State. Any animal rescue organization may voluntarily participate in the registry.
b. The department, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), may adopt any rules and regulations determined necessary to implement the voluntary registry and coordinate its use with the provisions of P.L.2011, c.142 (C.4:19-15.30 et al.) and section 16 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.16).
L.2011, c.142, s.6; amended 2012, c.17, s.13.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-16 - Liability of owner regardless of viciousness of dog

4:19-16. Liability of owner regardless of viciousness of dog
The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.
For the purpose of this section, a person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner when he is on the property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner thereof.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-17 - Findings, declarations

4:19-17. Findings, declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that certain dogs are an increasingly serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of citizens of this State by virtue of their unprovoked attacks on, and associated injury to, individuals and other animals; that these attacks are in part attributable to the failure of owners to confine and properly train and control these dogs; that existing laws at the local level inadequately address this problem; and that it is therefore appropriate and necessary to impose a uniform set of State requirements on the owners of vicious or potentially dangerous dogs.
L.1989, c.307, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-18 - Definitions

4:19-18. Definitions
2. As used in this act:
"Animal control officer" means a certified municipal animal control officer or, in the absence of such an officer, the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality or his designee.
"Department" means the Department of Health.
"Dog" means any dog or dog hybrid.
"Domestic animal" means any cat, dog, or livestock other than poultry.
"Potentially dangerous dog" means any dog or dog hybrid declared potentially dangerous by a municipal court pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-23).
"Vicious dog" means any dog or dog hybrid declared vicious by a municipal court pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-22).
L.1989,c.307,s.2; amended 1994,c.187,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-19 - Impoundment of dog

4:19-19. Impoundment of dog
An animal control officer shall seize and impound a dog when the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the dog:
a. attacked a person and caused death or serious bodily injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1(b) to that person;
b. caused bodily injury as defined in N.J.S.2C:11-1(a) to a person during an unprovoked attack and poses a serious threat of harm to persons or domestic animals;
c. engaged in dog fighting activities as described in R.S.4:22-24 and R.S.4:22-26; or
d. has been trained, tormented, badgered, baited or encouraged to engage in unprovoked attacks upon persons or domestic animals.
The dog shall be impounded until the final disposition as to whether the dog is vicious or potentially dangerous. Subject to the approval of the municipal health officer, the dog may be impounded in a facility or other structure agreeable to the owner.
L.1989, c.307, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-20 - Notification of owner of dog; hearing

4:19-20. Notification of owner of dog; hearing
4. a. The animal control officer shall notify the municipal court and the municipal health officer immediately that he has seized and impounded a dog pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-19), or that he has reasonable cause to believe that a dog has killed another domestic animal and that a hearing is required. The animal control officer shall through a reasonable effort attempt to determine the identity of the owner of any dog seized and impounded pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1989, c.307. If its owner cannot be identified within seven days, that dog may be humanely destroyed.
b. The animal control officer shall, within three working days of the determination of the identity of the owner of a dog seized and impounded pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-19), notify by certified mail, return receipt requested, the owner concerning the seizure and impoundment, and that, if the owner wishes, a hearing will be held to determine whether the impounded dog is vicious or potentially dangerous. This notice shall also require that the owner return within seven days, by certified mail or hand delivery, a signed statement indicating whether he wishes the hearing to be conducted or, if not, to relinquish ownership of the dog, in which case the dog may be humanely destroyed. If the owner cannot be notified by certified mail, return receipt requested, or refuses to sign for the certified letter, or does not reply to the certified letter with a signed statement within seven days of receipt, the dog may be humanely destroyed.
L.1989,c.307,s.4; amended 1994,c.187,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-21.1 - Settlement agreements, immunity of municipality

4:19-21.1. Settlement agreements, immunity of municipality
12. Notwithstanding any provision in P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-17 et seq.) to the contrary, the municipality and the owner of the dog may settle and dispose of the matter at any time in such manner and according to such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1989, c.307 to the contrary, no municipality or any of its employees shall have any liability by virtue of having entered into any settlement agreement pursuant to this section, or for any action or inaction related to the entry into such agreement, for any injuries or damages caused thereafter by the dog. The municipality may, as a condition of the settlement agreement, also require that the owner of the dog hold the municipality harmless for any legal expenses or fees the municipality may incur in defending against any cause of action brought against the municipality notwithstanding the prohibition against such causes of action set forth in this section.
L.1994,c.187,s.12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-22 - Dog declared vicious by municipal court; conditions.

4:19-22 Dog declared vicious by municipal court; conditions.
6. a. The municipal court shall declare the dog vicious if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the dog:
(1) killed a person or caused serious bodily injury to a person; or
(2) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2019, c.82).
b. A dog shall not be declared vicious for inflicting death or serious bodily injury upon a person if the dog was provoked. The municipality shall bear the burden of proof to demonstrate that the dog was not provoked.
c. If the municipal court declares a dog to be vicious, and no appeal is made of this ruling pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-25), the court may order:
(1) the dog's owner to comply with certain restrictions to protect the public that are at least as stringent as the requirements for potentially dangerous dogs pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-24) and section 12 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-28); or
(2) the dog to be euthanized in a humane and expeditious manner, except that no dog may be euthanized during the pendency of an appeal.
d. As used in this section, "serious bodily injury" means serious bodily injury as defined in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:11-1.
L.1989, c.307, s.6; amended 1994, c.187, s.3; 2019, c.82, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-23 - Dog declared potentially dangerous; conditions.

4:19-23 Dog declared potentially dangerous; conditions.
7. a. The municipal court shall declare a dog to be potentially dangerous if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the dog:
(1) caused bodily injury to a person during an unprovoked attack, and poses a serious threat of serious bodily injury or death to a person;
(2) caused serious bodily injury to another domestic animal or killed another domestic animal, and
(a) poses a serious threat of serious bodily injury or death to a person, or
(b) poses a serious threat of death to another domestic animal; or
(3) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2019, c.82).
b. A dog shall not be declared potentially dangerous for:
(1) causing bodily injury to a person if the dog was provoked;
(2) causing serious bodily injury to, or killing, a domestic animal if the domestic animal was the aggressor;
(3) causing bodily injury to a person who was committing or attempting to commit a crime or offense upon the owner or person with custody or control of the dog or committing or attempting to commit a trespass or other criminal offense on the property of the owner or person with custody or control of the dog;
(4) causing bodily injury to a person or a domestic animal who was abusing, assaulting, or physically threatening the dog or the dog's offspring; or
(5) causing bodily injury to a person who was intervening between two or more dogs engaged in aggressive behavior or fighting.
For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the municipality shall bear the burden of proof to demonstrate that the dog was not provoked.
c. As used in this section, "bodily injury" means bodily injury as defined in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:11-1; and "serious bodily injury" means serious bodily injury as defined in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:11-1.
L.1989, c.307, s.7; amended 1994, c.187, s.4; 2002, c.24; 2019, c.82, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-24 - Registration of potentially dangerous dog; conditions

4:19-24. Registration of potentially dangerous dog; conditions
8. If the municipal court declares the dog to be potentially dangerous, it shall issue an order and a schedule for compliance which, in part:
a. shall require the owner to comply with the following conditions:
(1) to apply, at his own expense, to the municipal clerk or other official designated to license dogs pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.2), for a special municipal potentially dangerous dog license, municipal registration number, and red identification tag issued pursuant to section 14 of this act. The owner shall, at his own expense, have the registration number tattooed upon the dog in a prominent location. A potentially dangerous dog shall be impounded until the owner obtains a municipal potentially dangerous dog license, municipal registration number, and red identification tag;
(2) to display, in a conspicuous manner, a sign on his premises warning that a potentially dangerous dog is on the premises. The sign shall be visible and legible from 50 feet of the enclosure required pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection;
(3) to immediately erect and maintain an enclosure for the potentially dangerous dog on the property where the potentially dangerous dog will be kept and maintained, which has sound sides, top and bottom to prevent the potentially dangerous dog from escaping by climbing, jumping or digging and within a fence of at least six feet in height separated by at least three feet from the confined area. The owner of a potentially dangerous dog shall securely lock the enclosure to prevent the entry of the general public and to preclude any release or escape of a potentially dangerous dog by an unknowing child or other person. All potentially dangerous dogs shall be confined in the enclosure or, if taken out of the enclosure, securely muzzled and restrained with a tether approved by the animal control officer and having a minimum tensile strength sufficiently in excess of that required to restrict the potentially dangerous dog's movements to a radius of no more than three feet from the owner and under the direct supervision of the owner;
b. may require the owner to maintain liability insurance in an amount determined by the municipal court to cover any damage or injury caused by the potentially dangerous dog. The liability insurance, which may be separate from any other homeowner policy, shall contain a provision requiring the municipality in which the owner resides to be named as an additional insured for the sole purpose of being notified by the insurance company of any cancellation, termination or expiration of the liability insurance policy.
L.1989,c.307,s.8; amended 1994,c.187,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-25 - Appeal of decision

4:19-25. Appeal of decision
9. The owner of the dog, or the animal control officer in the municipality in which the dog was impounded, may appeal any final decision, order, or judgment, including any conditions attached thereto, of a municipal court pursuant to P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-17 et seq.) by filing an appeal with the Superior Court, Law Division, in accordance with the Rules Governing The Courts of the State of New Jersey pertaining to appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction. The Superior Court shall hear the appeal by conducting a hearing de novo in the manner established by those rules for appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction.
L.1989,c.307,s.9; amended 1994,c.187,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-26 - Liability of owner for cost of impounding, destroying dog; rabies testing

4:19-26. Liability of owner for cost of impounding, destroying dog; rabies testing
10. a. If a dog is declared vicious or potentially dangerous, and all appeals pertaining thereto have been exhausted, the owner of the dog shall be liable to the municipality in which the dog is impounded for the costs and expenses of impounding and destroying the dog. The municipality may establish by ordinance a schedule of these costs and expenses. The owner shall incur the expense of impounding the dog in a facility other than the municipal pound, regardless of whether the dog is ultimately found to be vicious or potentially dangerous.
b. If the dog has bitten or exposed a person within 10 days previous to the time of euthanasia, its head shall be transported to the New Jersey State Department of Health laboratory for rabies testing.
L.1989,c.307,s.10; amended 1994,c.187,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-27 - Hearing on subsequent actions of dog

4:19-27. Hearing on subsequent actions of dog
11. If the municipal court finds that the dog is not vicious or potentially dangerous, the municipal court shall retain the right to convene a hearing to determine whether the dog is vicious or potentially dangerous for any subsequent actions of the dog.
L.1989,c.307,s.11; amended 1994,c.187,s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-28 - Obligations of owner of potentially dangerous dog

4:19-28. Obligations of owner of potentially dangerous dog
12. The owner of a potentially dangerous dog shall:
a. comply with the provisions of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-17 et seq.) in accordance with a schedule established by the municipal court, but in no case more than 60 days subsequent to the date of determination;
b. notify the licensing authority, local police department or force, and the animal control officer if a potentially dangerous dog is at large, or has attacked a human being or killed a domestic animal;
c. notify the licensing authority, local police department or force, and the animal control officer within 24 hours of the death, sale or donation of a potentially dangerous dog;
d. prior to selling or donating the dog, inform the prospective owner that the dog has been declared potentially dangerous;
e. upon the sale or donation of the dog to a person residing in a different municipality, notify the department and the licensing authority, police department or force, and animal control officer of that municipality of the transfer of ownership and the name, address and telephone of the new owner; and
f. in addition to any license fee required pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.3), pay a potentially dangerous dog license fee to the municipality as provided by section 15 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-31).
L.1989,c.307,s.12; amended 1994,c.187,s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-29 - Violation by owner; fine, seizure, impoundment of dog

4:19-29. Violation by owner; fine, seizure, impoundment of dog
13. The owner of a potentially dangerous dog who is found by clear and convincing evidence to have violated this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or to have failed to comply with a court's order shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 per day of the violation, and each day's continuance of the violation shall constitute a separate and distinct violation. The municipal court shall have jurisdiction to enforce this section. An animal control officer is authorized to seize and impound any potentially dangerous dog whose owner fails to comply with the provisions of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-17 et seq.), or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or a court's order. The municipal court may order that the dog so seized and impounded be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner.
L.1989,c.307,s.13; amended 1994,c.187,s.10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-30 - Municipality to register, identify potentially dangerous dogs; publicize phone numbers to report violations

4:19-30. Municipality to register, identify potentially dangerous dogs; publicize phone numbers to report violations
14. Each municipality shall:
a. issue a potentially dangerous dog registration number and red identification tag along with a municipal potentially dangerous dog license upon a demonstration of sufficient evidence by the owner to the animal control officer that he has complied with the court's orders. The last three digits of each potentially dangerous dog registration number issued by a municipality will be the three number code assigned to that municipality in the regulations promulgated pursuant to section 17 of P.L.1989, c.307 (C.4:19-33). The animal control officer shall verify, in writing, compliance to the municipal clerk or other official designated to license dogs in the municipality;
b. publicize a telephone number for reporting violations of this act. This telephone number shall be forwarded to the department and any changes in this number shall be reported immediately to the department.
L.1989,c.307,s.14; amended 1994,c.187,s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-31 - Municipality to establish fee for potentially dangerous dog license

4:19-31. Municipality to establish fee for potentially dangerous dog license
Every municipality may, by ordinance, fix the sum to be paid annually for a potentially dangerous dog license and each renewal thereof, which sum shall not be less than $150 nor more than $700. In the absence of any local ordinance, the fee for all potentially dangerous dog licenses shall be $150.
L.1989, c.307, s.15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-32 - Monthly inspection to verify compliance

4:19-32. Monthly inspection to verify compliance
The animal control officer shall inspect the enclosure and the owner's property at least monthly to determine continuing compliance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection a. of section 8 of this act.
L.1989, c.307, s.16.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-33 - Statewide system for registration of potentially dangerous dogs

4:19-33. Statewide system for registration of potentially dangerous dogs
The department shall promulgate regulations establishing a uniform Statewide system for municipal registration of potentially dangerous dogs. The regulations shall assign each municipality or other authority registering potentially dangerous dogs a three number code. This three number code shall comprise the last three digits of each registration number issued by that municipality or authority for potentially dangerous dogs and shall be preceded on each dog's identification by a number sequentially issued by the municipality.
L.1989, c.307, s.17.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-34 - Actions subject to "New Jersey Tort Claims Act"

4:19-34. Actions subject to "New Jersey Tort Claims Act"
Any action undertaken pursuant to the provisions of this act shall be deemed to be an exercise of a government function and shall be subject to the provisions of the "New Jersey Tort Claims Act," N.J.S.59:1-1 et seq.
L.1989, c.307, s.18.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-35 - Fines, fees, used for enforcement by municipalities

4:19-35. Fines, fees, used for enforcement by municipalities
All fines and fees collected or received by the municipality pursuant to sections 13 and 15 of this act shall be deposited in a special account and used by the municipality to administer and enforce the provisions of this act.
L.1989, c.307,s.20.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-36 - Act to supersede inconsistent local laws

4:19-36. Act to supersede inconsistent local laws
The provisions of this act shall supersede any law, ordinance, or regulation concerning vicious or potentially dangerous dogs, any specific breed of dog, or any other type of dog inconsistent with this act enacted by any municipality, county, or county or local board of health.
L.1989, c.307, s.21.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-38 - Debarking silencing of dog, certain circumstances; third degree crime

4:19-38. Debarking silencing of dog, certain circumstances; third degree crime
1. A person who surgically debarks or silences a dog, or causes the surgical debarking or silencing of a dog, for reasons other than to protect the life or health of the dog as deemed necessary by a duly licensed veterinarian shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree.
L.2002,c.102,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-39 - Duly licensed veterinarian permitted to debark, silence dog; penalty

4:19-39. Duly licensed veterinarian permitted to debark, silence dog; penalty
2. No person other than a duly licensed veterinarian may surgically debark or silence a dog. A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree.
L.2002,c.102,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-40 - Seizure, forfeiture of dog at time of arrest of violator

4:19-40. Seizure, forfeiture of dog at time of arrest of violator
3. a. A dog that has been surgically debarked or silenced may be seized at the time of arrest of a person charged with violating section 1 or 2 of P.L.2002, c.102 (C.4:19-38 or C.4:19-39), or at any time thereafter, and, upon seizure and pending final determination of the charges, shall be kept and cared for in a humane manner by an appropriate and qualified individual or entity as directed by the court.
b. If a person is found guilty of violating section 1 or 2 of P.L.2002, c.102 (C.4:19-38 or C.4:19-39), the court may order forfeiture of a dog seized pursuant to subsection a. of this section for such disposition as the court deems appropriate.
c. The costs of sheltering, feeding, caring for, and treating a dog seized pursuant to subsection a. or forfeited pursuant to subsection b. of this section, including any veterinary expenses incurred for the provision of any of those services and any other reasonably related expenses incurred, shall be borne by the person found guilty of violating section 1 or 2 of P.L.2002, c.102 (C.4:19-38 or C.4:19-39).
L.2002,c.102,s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-41 - Statement filed by veterinarian.

4:19-41 Statement filed by veterinarian.
4. Whenever a duly licensed veterinarian surgically debarks or silences a dog, the veterinarian shall prepare and file a written statement with the Department of Health setting forth the veterinary basis for administering the surgery and providing the name and address of the owner, keeper or harborer of the debarked or silenced dog. A veterinarian who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall be subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
L.2002, c.102, s.4; amended 2012, c.17, s.14.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-42 - Issuance of license, determination as to whether dog surgically debarked, silenced

4:19-42. Issuance of license, determination as to whether dog surgically debarked, silenced
5. a. No municipal clerk or other official designated by the governing body of any municipality to license dogs therein shall grant any such license and official metal registration tag for any dog unless the owner thereof when applying for the license and registration tag indicates whether the dog has been surgically debarked or silenced.
b. A person who knowingly provides false information on a dog license application as to whether a dog has been surgically debarked or silenced shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
c. The municipal clerk or other official designated by the governing body of any municipality to license dogs therein may, upon request of any law enforcement officer or municipal animal control officer, provide notice thereto of the name and address of any person indicating on a dog license application the possession of a surgically debarked or silenced dog.
L.2002,c.102,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19-43 - Information provided to prospective owner

4:19-43. Information provided to prospective owner
6. An owner, keeper or harborer of a dog that has been surgically debarked or silenced shall, prior to selling or donating the dog, inform the prospective owner that the dog has been surgically debarked or silenced. A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense.
L.2002,c.102,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-1 - Program; purpose

4:19A-1. Program; purpose
The department shall establish and implement an Animal Population Control Program (hereinafter referred to as the "program" ). The purpose of this program shall be to reduce the population of unwanted and stray dogs and cats by encouraging the owners of dogs and cats to have them permanently sexually sterilized, thereby reducing potential threats to public health and safety posed by the growing population of these unwanted and stray animals, and by providing low-cost animal sterilization services to owners meeting at least one of the criteria of need enumerated in section 3 of this act.
L.1983, c. 172, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-2 - Eligibility

4:19A-2. Eligibility
3. In order to be eligible to participate in the program, an owner of a dog or cat shall be eligible for, and participate in, at least one of the following:
a. The Food Stamp Program authorized by Title XIII of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, Pub.L.95-113 (7 U.S.C. s.2011 et seq.);
b. The Supplemental Security Income Program established pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. s.1381 et seq.;
c. The program for aid to families with dependent children, pursuant to P.L.1959, c.86 (C.44:10-1 et seq.);
d. The program for general public assistance, pursuant to the provisions of the "General Public Assistance Law," P.L.1947, c.156 (C.44:8-107 et seq.);
e. The program of medical assistance pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C.30:4D-1 et seq.);
f. The program of "Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled," established pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C.30:4D-20 et seq.);
g. The rental assistance program authorized pursuant to section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 as added by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Pub.L.93-383 (42 U.S.C. s. 1437(f));
h. The "Lifeline Credit Program" established pursuant to P.L.1979, c.197 (C.48:2-29.15 et seq.); or
i. The "Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Program" established pursuant to P.L.1981, c.210 (C.48:2-29.30 et seq.).
A resident of New Jersey who owns a dog or cat shall also be eligible to participate in the program if the owner: (1) submits to a veterinarian participating in the program proof, in the form of a certificate of adoption, that the dog or cat was adopted from a New Jersey licensed animal shelter, a New Jersey municipal, county, or regional pound, or a New Jersey holding and impoundment facility that contracts with New Jersey municipalities, or proof that the dog or cat was adopted through a non-profit corporation operating an animal adoption referral service in New Jersey and whose holding facility is licensed in accordance with State and municipal law; or proof that the dog or cat was adopted through a non-profit corporation operating an animal adoption referral service in New Jersey that does not operate a holding facility; and, in the case of a dog, proof that the dog is duly licensed pursuant to State and municipal law; and (2) pays a $20 fee, to be deposited in the fund. The Department of Health may adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this amendatory act.
L.1983,c.172,s.3; amended 1986,c.192; 1989,c.238; 1991,c.405,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-3 - Submission of animal for spaying or neutering; proof of eligibility; consent form; fee; disposition

4:19A-3. Submission of animal for spaying or neutering; proof of eligibility; consent form; fee; disposition
Any person submitting a dog or cat, pursuant to the provisions of this act, for spaying or neutering, as the case may be, shall:
a. Furnish any licensed veterinarian of this State participating in the program with proof that the owner meets at least one of the eligibility criteria pursuant to the provisions of section 3 of this amendatory and supplementary act;
b. Sign a consent form certifying that the person is the owner of the dog or cat, or is authorized by the owner to present the dog or cat for the procedure; and
c. Pay a fee of $10.00, which fee shall be forwarded to the commissioner for deposit in the "Animal Population Control Fund" .
L.1983, c. 172, s. 4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-4 - Veterinarians; participation in program; application; reimbursement for animal sterilization procedure and presurgical immunization

4:19A-4. Veterinarians; participation in program; application; reimbursement for animal sterilization procedure and presurgical immunization
a. Any licensed veterinarian of this State may participate in the program upon filing with the commissioner an application therefor, on forms prescribed by the commissioner, which application shall supply, in addition to any other information requested by the commissioner, an animal sterilization fee schedule listing the fees charged for animal sterilization in the normal course of business. These fees may vary with the animal's weight, sex and species. The commissioner may, however, disqualify from participation in the program any veterinarian whose fees are deemed unreasonable.
b. The commissioner shall, to the extent that moneys are available therefor from the "Animal Population Control Fund," reimburse participating veterinarians for 80% of the fee for each animal sterilization procedure administered, upon the submission of an animal sterilization certificate, prescribed by the commissioner, signed by the veterinarian and the owner of the animal, for each sterilization procedure.
c. The commissioner shall reimburse from the fund any licensed veterinarian of this State participating in the program for the presurgical immunization of dogs against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus, or the presurgical immunization of cats against feline panleukopenia, calici, pneumonitis and rhinotracheitis, as the case may be, which immunization shall be administered at least 10 days prior to reproductive surgery, on animals not previously immunized. The reimbursement shall be for no more than $10.00 upon the written certification, signed by the veterinarian and the owner of the animal, that the immunization has been administered.
L.1983, c. 172, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-5 - Animal Population Control Fund

4:19A-5. Animal Population Control Fund
6. a. The commissioner may solicit and accept funds from any public or private source to help carry out the provisions of P.L.1983, c.172 (C.4:19A-1 et al.) .
b. All fees collected pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1983, c.172 (C.4:19-15.3b) and sections 3 and 4 of P.L.1983, c.172 (C.43:19A-2 and C.4:19A-3), all moneys from the application and renewal fees collected for animal welfare license plates issued pursuant to P.L.1993, c.184 (C.39:3-27.55 et seq.), and all moneys received pursuant to subsection a. of this section, shall be placed in a special fund to be known as the "Animal Population Control Fund," which shall be separate from the General State Fund. All moneys in the "Animal Population Control Fund" shall be used by the commissioner exclusively for the implementation and promotion of the program and for the costs associated with the administration of P.L.1983, c.172 (C.4:19A-1 et al.), except as provided in subsection c. of this section.
c. Moneys deposited into the fund generated by the collection of application fees for animal welfare license plates issued pursuant to P.L.1993, c.184 (C.39:3-27.55 et seq.) shall be utilized by the commissioner to reimburse the Division of Motor Vehicles for all costs incurred by the division, as certified by the director, of producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the availability of animal welfare license plates.
No moneys deposited in the "Animal Population Control Fund," established in subsection b. of this section, except for the moneys generated by the collection of application fees for animal welfare license plates issued pursuant to P.L.1993, c.184 (C.39:3-27.55 et seq.), shall be utilized by the Department of Health or the Division of Motor Vehicles for any expenses, administrative or otherwise, related to the animal welfare license plates, or the advertising and publicizing thereof, including, but not limited to notices, posters and signs to be circulated or posted by the department or the division.
d. The director shall annually certify to the commissioner the average cost per license plate incurred in the immediately preceding year by the division in producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the availability of animal welfare license plates. The annual certification of the average cost per license plate shall be approved by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, or its successor.
e. In the event that the average cost per license plate as certified by the director and approved by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, or its successor, is greater than the $50 application fee established in subsection b. of section 1 of P.L.1993, c.184 (C.39:3-27.55) in two consecutive fiscal years, the director may discontinue the issuance of animal welfare license plates.
L.1983,c.172,s.6; amended 1993,c.184,s.5; 1995,c.145,s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-6 - Unretrieved animal; final disposition

4:19A-6. Unretrieved animal; final disposition
Any licensed veterinarian of this State participating in the program shall provide for the final disposition of an unretrieved animal in the manner provided in P.L.1979, c. 354 (C. 45:16-13 et seq.). For the purposes of this act "unretrieved animal" means an animal placed for confined treatment pursuant to the provisions of this act by the owner or agent thereof in the care and custody of a veterinarian, which animal is not retrieved by the owner or agent thereof from the veterinarian within 72 hours of being notified that the confined treatment is completed.
L.1983, c. 172, s. 7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-7 - Violations; penalties; enforcement

4:19A-7. Violations; penalties; enforcement
8. Any person who knowingly:
a. Falsifies proof of eligibility for, or participation in, any of the programs enumerated in section 3 of this act;
b. Furnishes any licensed veterinarian of this State with inaccurate information concerning the ownership of an animal submitted for an animal sterilization procedure;
c. Furnishes the commissioner with false information concerning an animal sterilization fee schedule or an animal sterilization certificate submitted pursuant to section 5 of this act; or
d. Violates in any other manner the provisions of this act, shall be subject to a penalty of not more than $250.00 for the first offense and not more than $500.00 for the second and each subsequent offense, to be collected in civil action by a summary proceeding under "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.). The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce "the penalty enforcement law."
L.1983,c.172,s.8; amended 1991,c.91,s.175.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-8 - Rules or regulations

4:19A-8. Rules or regulations
The commissioner shall, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c. 410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt any rules or regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.
L.1983, c. 172, s. 9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-9 - Annual report

4:19A-9. Annual report
Not later than one year following the effective date of this act, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the Governor, the Legislature, and to the Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee and the General Assembly Agriculture and Environment Committee, or their designated successors, setting forth a complete operating and financial statement covering the operation of the animal sterilization program created pursuant to this act. The commissioner shall include in the report an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program and any recommendations for legislative bills or administrative actions he deems appropriate.
L.1983, c. 172, s. 10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-10 - Definitions

4:19A-10. Definitions
As used in this act:
a. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Health;
b. "Department" means the Department of Health.
L.1983, c. 180, s. 1, eff. May 10, 1983.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-11 - Pilot clinic for spaying, neutering; fees

4:19A-11. Pilot clinic for spaying, neutering; fees
a. There is established in the department a pilot clinic for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats to determine the practicability and feasibility of establishing a Statewide clinic program.
b. The commissioner shall establish a pilot clinic at a location whereby the public may have dogs and cats spayed or neutered, as the case may be, in a humane manner by a licensed veterinarian upon payment of the following fees:
For spaying female dogs weighing
Not more than 40 pounds ............. $35.00
41 to 60 pounds ..................... 40.00
Over 60 pounds ...................... 45.00
For spaying female dogs which are
pregnant or in heat ............ 50.00
For neutering male dogs weighing
Not more than 40 pounds ............ 25.00
41 to 65 pounds ..................... 30.00
Over 65 pounds ...................... 35.00
For spaying female cats of any weight ...... 35.00
For spaying female cats which are
pregnant or in heat ............... 35.00
For neutering male cats of any weight ..... 25.00
c. The fees shall include immunization of dogs against distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis and the immunization of cats against feline panleucopenia, pneumonitis and rhinotracheitis, which immunization shall be given at least 10 days prior to surgery on animals not previously immunized.
d. The commissioner may, by regulation adopted pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), increase any of the fees permitted to be charged pursuant to subsection b. of this section upon a finding that the increase is necessary to sustain operation of the pilot clinic established pursuant to this section.
L.1983,c.180,s.2; amended 1989,c.93.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-12 - Consent form; retrieval of animal; abandonment

4:19A-12. Consent form; retrieval of animal; abandonment
a. Any person submitting a dog or cat for spaying or neutering pursuant to this pilot program shall sign a consent form certifying that the person is the owner of the dog or cat or is authorized to present the dog or cat for the above operation.
b. The commissioner shall establish a return date by which a person submitting an animal for spaying or neutering shall retrieve the animal.
c. Failure to retrieve the animal shall subject the person to liability for the cost of board and care of the animal for the period of time the animal is kept at the clinic beyond the return date.
d. Failure to retrieve the animal within 15 days of the return date established pursuant to subsection c. of this section shall be deemed abandonment and the pilot clinic may seek to have the animal adopted or may transfer the animal to a shelter for adoption.
L.1983, c. 180, s. 3, eff. May 10, 1983.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-13 - Fee adjustment; recommendation

4:19A-13. Fee adjustment; recommendation
Not less than 180 days subsequent to the establishment of the pilot clinic, the commissioner may recommend to the Legislature any adjustment to the fees, established pursuant to section 2 of this act, deemed necessary to ensure the operation of the pilot clinic.
L.1983, c. 180, s. 4, eff. May 10, 1983.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-14 - Acceptance of funds; pilot clinic fund

4:19A-14. Acceptance of funds; pilot clinic fund
a. The commissioner may accept funds from any public or private source to help carry out the purposes of this act.
b. All fees collected pursuant to P.L.1983, c.181 (C.4:19-15.3c) or pursuant to section 2 of this act, and all moneys received pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall be placed in a special fund to be known as the "Pilot Clinic Fund" which shall be separate from the General State Fund and which shall be used for the purposes established herein.
L.1983, c. 180, s. 5, eff. May 10, 1983.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-15 - Report; recommendations

4:19A-15. Report; recommendations
Not later than 1 year following the effective date of this act, the commissioner shall submit a written report to the Legislature detailing the operation of the pilot program and shall make recommendations concerning the practicability and feasibility of the establishment of additional clinics. The commissioner may accompany this report with any recommendations for legislation or other action appropriate for adoption or consideration by the Legislature.
L.1983, c. 180, s. 6, eff. May 10, 1983.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:19A-17 - Duties of council

4:19A-17. Duties of council
2. The Domestic Companion Animal Council shall organize as soon as practicable after appointment of its members.
The council shall:
a. Consult with and advise the Commissioner of the Department of Health with respect to the work of the council;
b. Monitor, study and review the activities of the Animal Population Control Program, established pursuant to P.L.1983, c.172 (C.4:19A-1 et seq.), pilot clinics and funds therefor established pursuant to P.L.1983, c.180 (C.4:19A-10 et seq.), programs for the control of rabies and other programs related to animals that the council deems relevant to its work, and hold hearings with respect thereto as it may deem necessary or desirable;
c. Report to the Governor and the Legislature annually, and at such other times as it may deem in the public interest, with respect to its findings and conclusions.
L.1995,c.145,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-1 - Sufficiency of fences in general

4:20-1. Sufficiency of fences in general
A fence shall be deemed lawful, subject to the provisions of section 4:20-2 of this title, if four feet and two inches high measuring from the level or surface of the earth, and close, strong and sufficient to prevent horses and cattle from going through or under it.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-2 - Sufficiency of partition fences

4:20-2. Sufficiency of partition fences
A fence set in the line of partition between persons either of whom shall improve his adjoining lands shall, in addition to compliance with section 4:20-1 of this title, be so close, strong and sufficient as to prevent sheep from going through or under it, except that owners of adjoining lands lying upon streams or rivers subject to overflow, commonly known as lowland meadow, shall be exempt from fencing against sheep unless by mutual agreement.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-3 - Partition fences of barbed wire

4:20-3. Partition fences of barbed wire
Fences between the lands of adjoining landowners constructed of barbed wire or wire on which barbs or points are strung or fastened shall not be deemed lawful fences unless their erection is consented to by the adjoining owner, and such fences are hereby prohibited without such consent.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-4 - Gates as part of partition fence

4:20-4. Gates as part of partition fence
Swinging gates erected as a part of a partition fence between adjoining lands shall be considered a lawful fence if they are four feet six inches high, and so close and strong as to prevent horses, cattle and sheep from going through or under them.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-5 - Sufficiency of ditches as fences in meadows

4:20-5. Sufficiency of ditches as fences in meadows
Ditches and drains made in or through salt marshes and meadows for fencing and draining them, which are five feet wide and three feet deep, and ditches and drains in or through other meadows, which are nine feet wide at the surface of the meadow, four feet and a half wide at bottom, and three feet deep, and lie on a mud or miry bottom, shall be deemed lawful fences.