reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-16.2 - Definitions; rules, regulations.

4:22-16.2 Definitions; rules, regulations.
1. a. As used in this section:
"Breeding pig" means any female pig of the porcine species kept for the purpose of commercial breeding, who is six months or older or pregnant.
"Calf raised for veal" means any calf of the bovine species kept for the purpose of producing the food product described as veal.
"Enclosure" means a structure used to confine one or more breeding pigs or calves raised for veal.
"Fully extending the animal's limbs" means fully extending all limbs without touching the side of an enclosure or another animal.
"Turning around freely" means turning in a complete circle without any impediment, including a tether, and without touching the side of an enclosure or another animal.
b. In addition to the standards adopted pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1995, c.311 (C.4:22-16.1), and notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the State Board of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture, shall, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this act, develop and adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations, which:
(1) prohibit the confinement in an enclosure of any breeding pig in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending the animal's limbs, or turning around freely;
(2) prohibit the confinement in an enclosure of any calf raised for veal in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending the animal's limbs, or turning around freely;
(3) require that calves raised for veal are confined in a manner such that each calf can groom itself naturally and have visual contact with other calves; and
(4) establish penalties for violations of the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection.
c. The rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection b. of this section may include exceptions to confinement standards for the following activities only:
(1) medical research;
(2) examination, testing, individual treatment, or operation for veterinary purposes, but only if performed by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, either in person or via a telemedicine appointment;
(3) transportation;
(4) State or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, or similar temporary exhibitions;
(5) humane slaughter in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and
(6) confinement of a breeding pig during the 14-day period prior to the expected date of the breeding pig giving birth or on any day when the breeding pig is nursing piglets.
L.2023, c.130.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-17.6 - Responsibilities of DOH, municipality.

4:22-17.6 Responsibilities of DOH, municipality.
6. a. The Department of Health, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall:
(1) provide to each municipality in writing sufficient copies of (a)this act, R.S.4:22-17, and R.S.4:22-26; (b) a plain language description of the provisions and requirements thereof; and (c) a plain language description of how to comply with those provisions and requirements; and
(2) post on its website the materials enumerated in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
b. Each municipality shall:
(1) provide the materials enumerated in and provided pursuant to subsection a. of this section, along with any other information deemed relevant by the municipality, to each person obtaining a license for a dog at the time of licensing; and
(2) post on its website the materials enumerated in and provided pursuant to subsection a. of this section.
The municipality may pay any cost incurred by complying with the requirements of this subsection with fees forwarded to the treasurer of the municipality pursuant to section 11 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.11).
L.2017, c.189, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-17.8 - Violations, penalties for failure to provide necessary care.

4:22-17.8 Violations, penalties for failure to provide necessary care.
8. a. A violation of section 2, 4, or 5 of this act shall constitute failure to provide necessary care pursuant to R.S.4:22-17 and R.S.4:22-26, and a violator shall be subject to the applicable penalties set forth in those sections.
b. A person who violates section 3 of this act shall be subject to:
(1) for a first offense, at the discretion of the court, a fine of $100; and
(2) for a second offense, at the discretion of the court, a fine of $200.
For a third or subsequent offense, the offense shall constitute failure to provide necessary care pursuant to R.S.4:22-17 and R.S.4:22-26, and a violator shall be subject to the applicable penalties set forth in those sections.
c. Beginning on the fourth day after the date of issuance of a summons for a violation pursuant to section 7 of this act, each 30-day period that the owner or other person with custody or control of the dog, domestic companion animal, or service animal is still in possession of the animal and fails to comply with the requirements of this act shall constitute a separate offense.
d. A court may, in its discretion, waive or reduce the amount of any fine imposed for any violation of this act upon the violator demonstrating compliance with this act in the manner as may be prescribed by the court.
L.2017, c.189, s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-17.9 - Construction, application of act.

4:22-17.9 Construction, application of act.
9. No provision of this act, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, shall be construed or applied to limit any protection afforded to any dog pursuant to Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes or any other provisions of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes, any other federal or State law, or rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, or any local ordinance, resolution, rule, or regulation.
L.2017, c.189, s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-18 - Carrying animal in cruel, inhumane manner; disorderly persons offense

4:22-18. Carrying animal in cruel, inhumane manner; disorderly persons offense
4:22-18. A person who shall carry, or cause to be carried, a living animal or creature in or upon a vehicle or otherwise, in a cruel or inhumane manner, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and punished as provided in subsection a. of R.S.4:22-17.
Amended 1995, c.355, s.3; 1996, c.64, s.2; 2001, c.229, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-19 - Failure to care for, destruction of impounded animals; penalties; collection

4:22-19. Failure to care for, destruction of impounded animals; penalties; collection
4:22-19. A person who shall:
a. Impound or confine, or cause to be impounded or confined, in a pound or other place, a living animal or creature, and shall fail to supply it during such confinement with a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water; or
b. Destroy or cause to be destroyed any such animal by hypoxia induced by decompression or in any other manner, by the administration of a lethal gas other than an inhalant anesthetic, or in any other manner except by a method of euthanasia generally accepted by the veterinary medical profession as being reliable, appropriate to the type of animal upon which it is to be employed, and capable of producing loss of consciousness and death as rapidly and painlessly as possible for such animal shall, in the case of a violation of subsection a., be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and shall be punished as provided in subsection a. of R.S.4:22-17; or, in the case of a violation of subsection b., be subject to a penalty of $25 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. Each animal destroyed in violation of subsection b. shall constitute a separate offense. The penalty shall be collected in accordance with the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.) and all money collected shall be remitted to the State.
This section shall apply to kennels, pet shops, shelters and pounds as defined and licensed pursuant to P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.1 et seq.); to pounds and places of confinement owned and operated by municipalities, counties or regional governmental authorities; and to every contractual warden or impounding service, any provision to the contrary in this title notwithstanding.
Amended 1977, c.231, s.1; 1982, c.76, s.1; 1982, c.158, s.2; 1996, c.64, s.3; 2001, c.229, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-19.1 - Chamber or device to induce hypoxia; dismantlement and removal

4:22-19.1. Chamber or device to induce hypoxia; dismantlement and removal
Within 30 days of the effective date of this act, any chamber or device used to induce hypoxia through decompression or in any other manner shall be dismantled and removed from the premises. The owner of any premises on which the chamber or device remains 30 days subsequent to the effective date of this act shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
L.1982, c. 76, s. 3, eff. July 22, 1982.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-19.2 - Dismantlement and removal of decompression chamber or device; offense

4:22-19.2. Dismantlement and removal of decompression chamber or device; offense
Within 30 days of the effective date of this act, any chamber or device used to induce hypoxia through decompression or in any other manner and any gas chamber or similar device, except one which is used for the administration of an inhalant anesthetic, shall be dismantled and removed from the premises. The owner of any premises on which the chamber or device remains 30 days subsequent to the effective date of this act shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
L.1982, c. 158, s. 3, eff. Oct. 27, 1982.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-19.3 - Neuromuscular blocking agents prohibited

4:22-19.3. Neuromuscular blocking agents prohibited
Whenever any dog, cat, or any other domestic animal is to be destroyed, the use of succinylcholine chloride, curare, curariform drugs, or any other substance which acts as a neuromuscular blocking agent is prohibited.
L. 1988, c. 160, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-19.4 - Penalty

4:22-19.4. Penalty
A person who violates this act shall be subject to a penalty of $25.00 for the first offense and $50.00 for each subsequent offense, to be collected in a civil action by a summary proceeding under "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S. 2A:58-1 et seq.). Each animal destroyed in violation of this act shall constitute a separate offense. The Superior Court shall have jurisdiction to enforce "the penalty enforcement law."
L. 1988, c. 160, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-20 - Abandoning disabled animal to die in public place; disorderly persons offense

4:22-20. Abandoning disabled animal to die in public place; disorderly persons offense
4:22-20. a. A person who shall abandon a maimed, sick, infirm or disabled animal or creature to die in a public place, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
b. A person who shall abandon a domesticated animal shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. The violator shall be subject to the maximum $1,000 penalty.
Amended 1977,c.229,s.1; 1986,c.176; 1991,c.108,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-21 - Offering for sale horse unfit for work; disorderly persons.

4:22-21 Offering for sale horse unfit for work; disorderly persons.
4:22-21. A person who shall receive or offer for sale a horse that is suffering from abuse or neglect, or which by reason of disability, disease, abuse or lameness, or for any other cause, could not be worked, ridden or otherwise used for show, exhibition, or recreational purposes, or kept as a domestic pet without violating the provisions of this article or any law of this State relating to cruelty to animals shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.
Amended 1995, c.355, s.4; 1998, c.105, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-22 - Offering diseased animal for sale; crime of fourth degree

4:22-22. Offering diseased animal for sale; crime of fourth degree
4:22-22. A person who shall:
a. Willfully sell, or offer to sell, use, expose, or cause or permit to be sold or offered for sale, used or exposed, any horse or other animal having the disease known as glanders or farcy, or other contagious or infectious disease dangerous to the health or life of human beings or animals; or
b. When any such disease is beyond recovery, refuse upon demand to deprive any such animal of life--
Shall be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Amended 1995,c.355,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-23 - Use of bird as target; disorderly persons offense, $25 fine.

4:22-23 Use of bird as target; disorderly persons offense, $25 fine.
4:22-23. A person who shall:
a. Use a live pigeon, fowl or other bird for the purpose of a target, or to be shot at either for amusement or as a test of skill in marksmanship;
b. Shoot at a bird used as described in subsection a. of this section, or is a party to such shooting; or
c. Lease a building, room, field or premises, or knowingly permit the use thereof for the purpose of such shooting--
Shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, and shall, in addition to any penalty assessed therefor, be fined $25 for each bird shot at or killed in violation of this section.
This section shall not apply to the shooting of game.
Amended 1995, c.355, s.6; 2003, c.232, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-24 - Animal fighting crimes; definitions.

4:22-24 Animal fighting crimes; definitions.
4:22-24. a. A person who shall:
(1) Keep, use, be connected with or interested in the management of, or receive money for the admission of a person to, a place kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting a living animal or creature;
(2) Be present and witness, pay admission to, encourage or assist therein;
(3) Permit or suffer a place owned or controlled by him to be so used;
(4) For amusement or gain, cause, allow, or permit the fighting or baiting of a living animal or creature;
(5) Own, possess, keep, train, promote, purchase, or knowingly sell a living animal or creature for the purpose of fighting or baiting that animal or creature;
(6) Gamble on the outcome of a fight involving a living animal or creature ; or
(7) Own, possess, buy, sell, transfer, or manufacture animal fighting paraphernalia for the purpose of engaging in or otherwise promoting or facilitating the fighting or baiting of a living animal or creature --
Shall be guilty of a crime of the third degree.
b. In determining whether an object is animal fighting paraphernalia, a tryer of fact may consider:
(1) the proximity of the object in time and space to any violation of this section;
(2) direct circumstantial evidence of intent of the person to deliver the object to any person whom the person in possession of the object knows, or should reasonably know, intends to use the object to violate this section;
(3) oral or written instructions concerning its use provided with, or found in the vicinity of, the object;
(4) descriptive materials accompanying the object which explain or depicts its use; and
(5) any other relevant factors.
c. For the purposes of this section:
"Animal fighting paraphernalia" means equipment, products, implements, and materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, or conditioning of an animal for fighting, or in furtherance of animal fighting, and includes, but is not limited to, the following: breaking sticks, cat mills, treadmills, fighting pits, springpoles, veterinary medicine without a prescription therefor, treatment supplies, gaffs, slashers, heels, or any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a rooster, cock, or game fowl.
"Bait" means to attack with violence, to provoke, or to harass an animal with one or more animals for the purpose of training the animal for, or to cause an animal to engage in, a fight with or among other animals.
amended 1989, c.35, s.1; 2015, c.85, s.4; 2019, c.223, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-24.1 - "Trunk fighting," defined, third degree crime.

4:22-24.1 "Trunk fighting," defined, third degree crime.
1. a. In addition to the provisions of R.S.4:22-24, it shall be unlawful to engage in, facilitate, or provide the means to engage in, trunk fighting. For the purposes of this section, "trunk fighting" means the practice of enclosing two or more animals in the trunk or any part of a motor vehicle for the purpose of the animals attacking each other, and possibly fighting until one or more of the animals are dead.
b. A violation of subsection a. of this section shall be a crime of the third degree.
L.2021, c.83, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-25.1 - Motorist hitting domestic animal to stop; report.

4:22-25.1 Motorist hitting domestic animal to stop; report.
1. Each person operating a motor vehicle who shall knowingly hit, run over, or cause injury to a cat, dog, horse, or cattle shall stop at once, ascertain the extent of injury, report to the nearest police station, police officer, municipal humane law enforcement officer, chief humane law enforcement officer, or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals and give his name, address, operator's license and registration number, and also give the location of the injured animal.
L.1939, c.315, s.1; amended 1968, c.39; 2017, c.331, s.12.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-25.2 - Violations; petty disorderly persons offense

4:22-25.2. Violations; petty disorderly persons offense
2. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of section 1 of P.L.1939, c.315 (C.4:22-25.1) shall be guilty of a petty disorderly persons offense.
L.1939,c.315,s.2; amended 1953,c.5,s.62; 1995,c.355,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-25.3 - Sale, barter of products made from dog or cat fur; prohibited

4:22-25.3. Sale, barter of products made from dog or cat fur; prohibited
1. Any person who sells, barters, or offers for sale or barter, at wholesale or retail, the fur or hair of a domestic dog or cat or any product made in whole or in part from the fur or hair of a domestic dog or cat commits a crime of the fourth degree, provided that the person knew or reasonably should have known that the fur or hair was from a domestic dog or cat or that the product was made in whole or in part from the fur or hair of a domestic dog or cat. This section shall not apply to the sale or barter, or offering for sale or barter, of the fur or hair of a domestic dog or cat cut at a commercial grooming establishment or at a veterinary office or clinic or for scientific research purposes.
As used in this section, "domestic dog or cat" means a dog (Canis familiaris) or cat (Felis catus or Felis domesticus) that is generally recognized in the United States as being a household pet and shall not include coyote, fox, lynx, bobcat, or any other wild canine or feline species.
L.1999,c.307,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-25.4 - Sale, barter of dog or cat flesh or products for human consumption; disorderly persons offense

4:22-25.4. Sale, barter of dog or cat flesh or products for human consumption; disorderly persons offense
2. Any person who sells, barters, or offers for sale or barter, at wholesale or retail, for human consumption, the flesh of a domestic dog or cat or any product made in whole or in part from the flesh of a domestic dog or cat commits a disorderly persons offense, provided that the person knew or reasonably should have known that the flesh was from a domestic dog or cat or the product was made in whole or in part from the flesh of a domestic dog or cat. Notwithstanding the provisions of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes to the contrary, any person found guilty of violating this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100 and a term of imprisonment of not less than 30 days.
As used in this section, "domestic dog or cat" means a dog (Canis familiaris) or cat (Felis catus or Felis domesticus) that is generally recognized in the United States as being a household pet and shall not include coyote, fox, lynx, bobcat, or any other wild canine or feline species.
L.1999,c.307,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-25.5 - Slaughter, transport of horses for human consumption; disorderly persons offense.

4:22-25.5 Slaughter, transport of horses for human consumption; disorderly persons offense.
1. a. Any person who knowingly slaughters a horse for human consumption commits a disorderly persons offense.
b. Any person who sells, barters, or offers for sale or barter, at wholesale or retail, for human consumption, the flesh of a horse or any product made in whole or in part from the flesh of a horse commits a disorderly persons offense, provided that the person knew or reasonably should have known that the flesh was from a horse, or that the product was made in whole or in part from the flesh of a horse.
c. Any person who knowingly transports a horse for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption, or who knowingly transports horsemeat, or any product made in whole or in part from the flesh of a horse, for the purpose of human consumption, commits a disorderly persons offense.
d. Notwithstanding the provisions of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes to the contrary, any person found guilty of violating this section shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100 and a term of imprisonment of not less than 30 days.
e. Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose liability on a newspaper that inadvertently, unintentionally, or unknowingly accepts or publishes advertising that includes the offering for sale, trade, or distribution of any item in violation of any provision of this section. However, if a newspaper knowingly accepts or publishes advertising that includes the offering for sale, trade, or distribution any such item, the newspaper shall be in violation of the applicable provisions of this section.
L.2012, c.52, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-26.1 - Confiscation, forfeiture of animal.

4:22-26.1 Confiscation, forfeiture of animal.
1. A certified animal control officer, municipal humane law enforcement officer, humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, chief humane law enforcement officer, or animal cruelty prosecutor designated pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4) may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to have any animal confiscated and forfeited that is owned or possessed by a person at the time the person is found to be guilty of violating R.S.4:22-17, R.S.4:22-18, R.S.4:22-19, R.S.4:22-20 or R.S.4:22-23. Upon a finding that the continued possession by that person poses a threat to the animal's welfare, the court may, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed for a violation of R.S.4:22-17, R.S.4:22-18, R.S.4:22-19, R.S.4:22-20 or R.S.4:22-23, adjudge an animal forfeited for such disposition as the court deems appropriate.
L.1995, c.255, s.1; amended 2017, c.331, s.14.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-26.2 - Animal care agency, enforcement agency, animal cruelty violation conviction, forfeiture, transfer custody; prohibiting violator from owning, harboring, residing with, having custody of other animals, time deemed appropriate by court.

4:22-26.2 Animal care agency, enforcement agency, animal cruelty violation conviction, forfeiture, transfer custody; prohibiting violator from owning, harboring, residing with, having custody of other animals, time deemed appropriate by court.
5. a. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, an animal care agency or enforcement agency may, upon the conviction of a person for an animal cruelty violation, petition the court in the animal cruelty proceeding for an order requiring forfeiture of the animal that is the basis of the conviction and prohibiting the person convicted of an animal cruelty violation from owning, harboring, residing with, or having custody or control of any other animals for a period of time that the court deems appropriate.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, a co-owner of the animal that is the basis of the conviction may, upon such conviction, petition the court to transfer the animal to the custody of the petitioner upon a demonstration that the petitioner: (a) is a co-owner of the animal as demonstrated by a written and executed contract showing co-ownership of the animal and dated prior to the date of the violation; (b) does not reside with the defendant; (c) has not been convicted of an animal cruelty violation; and (d) did not harbor or have custody of the animal at the time of the violation for which the defendant was convicted.
b. At the sentencing of a person convicted of an animal cruelty violation, the court, upon its own initiative or in response to a petition filed pursuant to subsection a. of this section, and in addition to any other penalties that may be imposed on the defendant, may:
(1) (a) adjudge an animal that is the basis of the conviction for an animal cruelty violation forfeited to the animal care agency with custody of the animal, and invest all rights and privileges over the animal in the animal care agency; or (b) order the transfer of custody of the animal to the co-owner pursuant to a petition filed pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section, upon a determination that the co-owner has successfully demonstrated that the conditions in paragraph (2) of subsection a. of this section have been met, and the transfer is in the best interests of the animal's health, safety, and well-being, and will further the goal of protecting the animal from further harm; and
(2) order that the person convicted of an animal cruelty violation shall not own, harbor, reside with, or have custody or control of any other animals for a period of time that the court deems appropriate.
L.2023, c.129, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-28 - Civil, criminal actions separate.

4:22-28 Civil, criminal actions separate.
4:22-28. The indictment of a person under the provisions of this article, or the holding of a person to bail to await the action of a grand jury or court, shall not in any way relieve that person from liability to be sued for the appropriate penalties under R.S.4:22-26.
Amended 1953, c.5, s.65; 1989, c.35, s.3; 2003, c.232, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-29 - Jurisdiction for action for penalty.

4:22-29 Jurisdiction for action for penalty.
4:22-29. The action for the penalty prescribed in R.S.4:22-26 shall be brought:
a. In the Superior Court; or
b. In a municipal court of the municipality wherein the defendant resides or where the offense was committed.
Amended 1953, c.5, s.66; 1991, c.91, s.176; 2003, c.232, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-32 - Enforcement and collection of penalties; warrant.

4:22-32 Enforcement and collection of penalties; warrant.
4:22-32. Penalties for violations of R.S.4:22-26 shall be enforced and collected in a summary manner under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). A warrant may issue when the defendant is temporarily within the jurisdiction of the court, but not residing therein; or when the defendant is likely to evade judgment by removal therefrom; or when the defendant's name or residence is unknown.
Amended 1953, c.5, s.69; 2003, c.232, s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-33 - Security for appearance where defendant nonresident or desires continuance

4:22-33. Security for appearance where defendant nonresident or desires continuance
Where a defendant is a nonresident of the county in which the alleged offense was committed, or where a defendant desires an adjournment or continuance of the hearing, the court before whom the complaint has been made may, in its discretion, require the defendant to furnish security in an amount not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for his appearance at the hearing.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 51, s. 70.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-44 - Arrests with, without warrant.

4:22-44 Arrests with, without warrant.
4:22-44. Any municipal humane law enforcement officer, chief humane law enforcement officer, humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, sheriff, undersheriff, constable, or police officer may:
a. Make arrests for violations of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes; and
b. Arrest without warrant any person found violating the provisions of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes in the presence of such humane law enforcement officer, sheriff, undersheriff, constable, or police officer.
amended 1953, c.5, s.80; 1997, c.247, s.4; 2005, c.372, s.17; 2017, c.331, s.15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-45 - Notice to county prosecutor, designee.

4:22-45 Notice to county prosecutor, designee.
4:22-45. Where an arrest is made for a violation of subsection c. of R.S.4:22-17 by a constable, sheriff, undersheriff, police officer, municipal humane law enforcement officer, chief humane law enforcement officer, or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, the officer shall give notice to the county prosecutor, or designee of the county prosecutor, at once, whereupon the county prosecutor, or designee of the county prosecutor, shall determine whether the offense should be handled in the Superior Court or in municipal court.
amended 1997, c.247, s.5; 2017, c.331, s.16.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-46 - Search warrants; issuance

4:22-46. Search warrants; issuance
Any court having jurisdiction of violations of the law in relation to cruelty to animals may issue search warrants to enter and search buildings or places wherein it is reasonably believed that such law is being violated.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 52, s. 81.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-46.1 - Definitions.

4:22-46.1 Definitions.
2. As used in sections 2 through 5 of P.L.2023, c.129 (C.4:22-46.1 et al.):
"Animal care agency" means a shelter, pound, kennel, or animal rescue organization, as those terms are defined in section 1 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.1), or a humane society or other organization that has temporary custody of an animal.
"Animal cruelty violation" means a civil or criminal violation of chapter 19 or 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes, Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, or any other State law concerning animal cruelty.
"Enforcement agency" means any agency, department, organization, or county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any agent, humane law enforcement officer, or representative thereof, involved in law enforcement or animal control, or the monitoring of animal welfare and animal cruelty violations.
"Reasonable costs of care" means: the costs of shelter, food, water, and bedding necessary to house an animal; the costs of necessary care to improve an animal's psychological well-being, including, but not limited to, training and enrichments designed to provide mental and physical stimulation; and the costs of necessary veterinary care for an animal, including, but not limited to, surgical intervention, medicine, vaccinations, and euthanasia and disposal costs, as determined necessary by a licensed veterinarian. "Reasonable costs of care" does not include the costs of elective surgical procedures.
L.2023, c.129, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-47 - Warrantless arrest for fighting or baiting offenses.

4:22-47 Warrantless arrest for fighting or baiting offenses.
4:22-47. A sheriff, undersheriff, constable, police officer, municipal humane law enforcement officer, chief humane law enforcement officer, or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals may enter any building or place where there is an exhibition of the fighting or baiting of a living animal or creature, where preparations are being made for such an exhibition, or where a violation otherwise of R.S.4:22-24 is occurring, arrest without warrant all persons there present, and take possession of all living animals or creatures engaged in fighting or there found and all implements or appliances used or to be used in such exhibition.
amended 1989, c.35, s.4; 1997, c.247, s.6; 2005, c.372, s.18; 2017, c.331, s.17.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-48 - Forfeiture, sale of seized animals

4:22-48. Forfeiture, sale of seized animals
4:22-48. The person seizing animals, creatures, implements or appliances as authorized in section 4:22-47 of this Title, shall, within 24 hours thereafter, apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to have the same forfeited and sold.
If, upon the hearing of the application, it is found and adjudged that at the time of the seizure the animals, creatures, implements or appliances were engaged or used in violation of section 4:22-47 or paragraphs "e," "f," "g," "u," "v," or "w" of section 4:22-26 of this Title, or were owned, possessed or kept with the intent that they should be so engaged or used, they shall be adjudged forfeited, and the court shall order the same sold in such manner as it shall deem proper, and after deducting the costs and expenses, shall dispose of the proceeds as provided in section 4:22-55 of this Title.
A bird or animal found or adjudged to be of no use or value may be liberated or disposed of as directed by the court.
The costs of sheltering, caring for, treating, and if necessary, destroying an animal or creature, including veterinary expenses therefor, until the animal or creature is adjudged forfeited and sold, liberated, or disposed of pursuant to this section shall be borne by the owner of the animal or creature.
A creature or property which is adjudged not forfeited shall be returned to the owner, and the person making the seizure shall pay all costs and expenses thereof.
Amended 1953, c.5, s.82; 1989,c.35,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-48.1 - Owner to bear expenses

4:22-48.1. Owner to bear expenses
a. A person authorized to take possession of a living animal or creature pursuant to R.S. 4:22-47 may provide such shelter, care, and treatment therefor, including veterinary care and treatment, that is reasonably necessary, the costs of which shall be borne by the owner of the seized animal or creature.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 4:22-48 to the contrary, a person seizing a living animal or creature pursuant to R.S. 4:22-47 may destroy it before it is adjudged forfeited if the animal or creature is thought to be beyond reasonable hope of recovery, the cost of which destruction shall be borne by the owner of the seized animal or creature. A person destroying an animal or creature pursuant to the authority of this subsection shall not be liable therefor to the owner of the animal or creature.
L. 1989, c. 35, s. 6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-48.2 - Owner of confiscated animal responsible for certain costs.

4:22-48.2 Owner of confiscated animal responsible for certain costs.
1. The costs of sheltering, caring for, or treating any animal that has been confiscated from a person arrested pursuant to the provisions of R.S.4:22-47 by a municipal humane law enforcement officer, a chief humane law enforcement officer, a humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any other person authorized to make an arrest pursuant to article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes, until the animal is adjudged forfeited or until the animal is returned to the owner, shall be borne by the owner of the animal.
L.1997, c.121, s.1; amended 2017, c.331, s.18.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-50 - Care of animal when person in charge arrested

4:22-50. Care of animal when person in charge arrested
When a person arrested under the provisions of this article, is in charge of an animal at the time of the arrest, with or without a vehicle attached, and there is no one then present, other than the person arrested, to take charge of the property as owner or employee, the person making the arrest may take charge thereof or request a proper person to do so.
The person making the arrest shall promptly notify the owner of the taking of the property and its place of custody, either in person, by telephone or by mailing a notice to his last known post-office address, and a person in charge of the property at the time of the arrest, with permission of the owner, shall be deemed the agent of the owner to receive such notice.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-50.1 - Petition for animal pound receivership.

4:22-50.1 Petition for animal pound receivership.
1. When the owner or operator of an animal pound or shelter is arrested pursuant to the provisions of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes by a municipal humane law enforcement officer, a chief humane law enforcement officer, a humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any other person authorized to make the arrest under that article, or when the warrant is issued for the arrest, the person making the arrest may petition the Chancery Division of Superior Court to remove the owner or operator as custodian of the animals and appoint a receiver to operate the pound or shelter. The petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition on the Department of Health, the local board of health, and the owner or operator. If a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals has been designated by the county prosecutor pursuant to subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4), the county society shall, to the extent practicable, be appointed as receiver to operate the pound or shelter unless the county society is the owner or operator of the pound or shelter subject to arrest pursuant to this section.
L.1986, c.89, s.1; amended 2017, c.331, s.19.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-50.2 - Appointment; notice, hearing

4:22-50.2. Appointment; notice, hearing
The court may appoint a responsible person as a receiver upon a finding that the appointment is in the best interests of the animals at the pound or shelter.
A court shall not appoint a receiver without a hearing except upon a finding that immediate and irreparable harm to the animals may result. The owner shall be given notice of the hearing in a manner designated by the court. After receipt of this notice the owner shall be granted an opportunity to contest the imposition of the receivership at the hearing.
L. 1986, c. 89, s. 2, eff. Aug. 14, 1986.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-50.3 - Powers of receiver; compensation

4:22-50.3. Powers of receiver; compensation
The receiver shall be the custodian of the animals at the pound or shelter and shall have control over all real and personal property necessary for the daily operation of the pound or shelter. The receiver may assume the role of the administrator of the pound or shelter and take control of the daily operations or direct the owner or operator in the performance of his duties.
The court shall allow from the revenues of the pound or shelter a reasonable amount of compensation for the expenditures and services of the receiver. The revenues in excess of the cost of the receivership are to be paid to the owner of the pound or shelter. The owner is liable for a deficiency in the costs of the receivership, unless the deficiency results from the gross negligence, incompetence, or intentional misconduct of the receiver, in which case the receiver shall be liable for the deficiency. The receiver may be required to furnish a bond, the amount and form of which shall be approved by the court. The cost of the bond shall be paid for by the shelter or pound.
L. 1986, c. 89, s. 3, eff. Aug. 14, 1986.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-50.4 - Presentation, settlement of accounts

4:22-50.4. Presentation, settlement of accounts
The court shall require the filing, at periodic intervals, of reports of action taken by the receiver and of accounts itemizing the revenues and expenditures. The reports shall be open to inspection to all parties to the case. Upon motion of the court, the receiver, or owner or operator, the court may require a presentation or settlement of the accounts. Notice of a motion for presentation or settlement of the accounts shall be served on the owner or operator or any party of record who appeared in the proceeding and any party in interest in the revenues and expenditures.
L. 1986, c. 89, s. 4, eff. Aug. 14, 1986.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-50.5 - Termination of receivership

4:22-50.5. Termination of receivership
The receiver, owner, or operator may make a motion to terminate the receivership on grounds that the conditions complained of have been eliminated or remedied. The court may immediately terminate the receivership, or terminate the receivership subject to the terms the court deems necessary or appropriate to prevent the condition complained of from recurring.
L. 1986, c. 89, s. 5, eff. Aug. 14, 1986.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-50.6 - Pounds subject to act

4:22-50.6. Pounds subject to act
This act applies to pounds and shelters as defined and licensed pursuant to P.L. 1941, c. 151 (C.4:19-15.1 et seq.); to pounds and places of confinement owned and operated by municipalities, counties, or regional governmental authorities; and to every contractual warden or impounding service.
L. 1986, c. 89, s. 6, eff. Aug. 14, 1986.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-51 - Supplying necessary food to animals impounded by another

4:22-51. Supplying necessary food to animals impounded by another
When a living animal or creature is impounded or confined as provided in section 4:22-19 of this title, and shall continue to be without necessary food and water for more than twelve successive hours, any person may, from time to time as often as is necessary, enter into or upon the pound in which the animal or creature is impounded or confined and supply it with necessary food and water so long as it shall remain impounded or confined. Such person shall not be liable to an action for such entry.
The actual cost of the food, water and bedding, together with twenty per cent additional, may be collected by such person from the owner of the animal or creature in an action at law, together with costs, and the animal or creature shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon an execution issued upon a judgment therefor.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-52 - Seizure and sale of vehicle transporting animals in cruel manner

4:22-52. Seizure and sale of vehicle transporting animals in cruel manner
The person arresting the person offending against the provisions of section 4:22-18 of this title shall take charge of the vehicle and its contents, and all necessary expenses which may be incurred for taking charge of and keeping and sustaining them shall be a lien thereon, to be paid before they can be lawfully redeemed.
If the vehicle and its contents are not redeemed within ten days from the time of the seizure, the person making the seizure shall cause them to be advertised for sale by advertisements published in a newspaper circulating in the neighborhood in which the seizure was made for at least three times in a daily paper or one time in a weekly paper, stating the time and place of the sale and the reason for the sale.
At the appointed time and place such person shall sell the vehicle and its contents to the highest bidder and out of the proceeds thereof shall pay all necessary expenses incurred, paying over the balance to the owner.
If the proceeds of the sale are insufficient to pay such expenses, the balance may be recovered by the person making the seizure from the owner in an action at law.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-53 - Sale of animals abandoned in disabled condition.

4:22-53 Sale of animals abandoned in disabled condition.
4:22-53. An animal or creature abandoned in a maimed, sick, infirm, or disabled condition, if fit for further use, may be advertised and sold in the manner directed by a court of competent jurisdiction or animal cruelty prosecutor designated pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4).
The proceeds, after deducting expenses, shall be paid to the county to be used for the purpose of protecting animals in the county.
amended 1953, c.5, s.84; 2017, c.331, s.20.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-54 - Destruction of animals found in disabled condition.

4:22-54 Destruction of animals found in disabled condition.
4:22-54. When an animal or creature is found on the highway or elsewhere, whether abandoned or not, in a maimed, sick, infirm, or disabled condition, a court of competent jurisdiction, sheriff of the county, chief humane law enforcement officer, humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or municipal humane law enforcement officer may appoint a suitable person to examine and destroy such animal or creature if unfit for further use.
amended 1953, c.5, s.85; 2017, c.331, s.21.