reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-6 - Sufficiency as fences of things equivalent thereto

4:20-6. Sufficiency as fences of things equivalent thereto
Brooks, rivers, ponds, creeks and hedges, or other matter or thing equivalent to a fence as provided in this article, may be adjudged lawful fences in the discretion of those who may be called upon as prescribed in this chapter to view such things.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-7 - Duty to make and maintain portion of partition fence

4:20-7. Duty to make and maintain portion of partition fence
Where the lands of any 2 or more persons shall join each other and 1 or more of them are using said lands for the pasturage or keeping of animals, each of them so using said lands shall make or amend and maintain a just proportion of the partition fence between said lands except when all of said persons shall choose to let their adjoining lands lie vacant and open, but no such adjoining owner shall be required to make, amend or maintain any portion of any such partition fence, unless he is using his adjoining lands for said purposes.
Amended by L.1958, c. 45, p. 148, s. 1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-8 - Failure to make and maintain portion of partition fence

4:20-8. Failure to make and maintain portion of partition fence
When a person after due notice shall fail to make or amend and maintain his part or proportion of a partition fence as required by section 4:20-7 of this Title, the other person may make or amend and maintain the same wholly, in which event he shall be entitled to receive, from the person so failing, the entire expense thereof, if he is not using his adjoining lands for the pasturage or keeping of animals, or if he is so using his adjoining lands, he shall be entitled to receive 1/2 of the expenses thereof, if the other person is using his adjoining lands for said purposes, as appraised and certified in writing by 2 disinterested members of the township committee where the lands lie, together with the legal fees of such committee for their services as ascertained in writing. Upon nonpayment by the delinquent person of the sum so found and the fees certified to be due, the other person may recover such sums, with costs of suit, in a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 44, s. 53; L.1958, c. 45, p. 149, s. 2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-9 - Apportioning of partition fence for erection and maintenance

4:20-9. Apportioning of partition fence for erection and maintenance
The place where a partition fence is or shall be made, between adjoining lands both used for the pasturage or the keeping of animals, shall be equally divided, regard being had to the quantity of fence necessary and other conveniences of fencing and each party shall take an equal share of such fence to make or amend and maintain, so that it may be known which part thereof is his own.
When the parties cannot agree in making the division, then any 2 members of the township committee of the township where the lands lie or any 2 members of the board or body having control of the streets in any other municipality, who are disinterested, shall, upon application of either party and in the presence of the parties if they will attend, make such division. Such determination shall be delivered to each of the parties in writing and be binding upon them and the succeeding owners and tenants of the lands.
Amended by L.1958, c. 45, p. 149, s. 3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-10 - Specification of time for making partition fence

4:20-10. Specification of time for making partition fence
When two of the township committee shall determine the parts or shares of any partition fence to be made under the provisions of this article, they shall specify in writing the time within which such fence shall be made by the parties, respectively, to whom such parts or shares have been assigned.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-11 - Placing partition fence where parties disagree

4:20-11. Placing partition fence where parties disagree
To avoid the difficulty that may arise touching the placing of a partition fence when the parties cannot agree thereupon, the persons proposing to make the fence may apply to any two members of the township committee of the township where the lands lie or any two members of the board or body having control of the streets in any other municipality, who are disinterested, who, upon hearing the allegations and proofs of the parties shall fix, by writing under their hands to be delivered to each of the parties, the place where the fence shall be made. When the fence has been made in the place so fixed and one party has failed to make his just part or proportion thereof, the party making it may recover such part or proportion of the charges in the manner provided in section 4:20-8 of this title, although it may not happen to be exactly in the division line.
The fixing of the place for the fence as provided in this section shall not deprive either party of a lawful claim to a greater quantity of land and either party may maintain an action therefor as though such determination had never been made.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-12 - Placing and apportioning partition fence when line is private road or watercourse

4:20-12. Placing and apportioning partition fence when line is private road or watercourse
When lands belonging to or occupied by different persons and subject to be fenced, are bounded upon or divided from each other by a private road, or by any creek, brook, stream, pond or run of water which is not navigable for boats or flats and is not of itself a sufficient fence, and the owner or possessor of the land on 1 side, who is required by this article to make or amend and maintain a sufficient fence or to contribute to the making, amending and maintaining thereof, shall refuse to do so or to join with the owner or possessor of the land on the other side in making a partition fence on 1 side or the other, or cannot agree respecting the fence, then either of the owners or possessors may apply to any 2 of the township committee of the township where the lands lie, who are disinterested. If such committee on examination is of the opinion that the private road or creek, brook, stream, pond or run of water does not constitute a sufficient fence and that it is impracticable or inconvenient without unreasonable expense for the partition fence to be made in the middle or other part of the private road or water which is the true division line between the parties, such committee, in the presence of the parties, if they will attend, shall determine, fix and ascertain, as to it shall appear just and reasonable, how or on which side thereof the fence shall be set up and maintained, or whether partly on 1 side and partly on the other, and the part or share of the fence, if any, which each person shall make and maintain, and reduce its decision to writing delivering a part thereof to each party.
If either party shall fail to make and maintain his part or proportion of the fence as determined by the committee, the other party may make and maintain the same wholly in which event the other party shall be liable as provided in section 4:20-8 of this Title.
Amended by L.1958, c. 45, p. 150, s. 4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-13 - Placing and apportioning partition fence when line is township boundary

4:20-13. Placing and apportioning partition fence when line is township boundary
When lands belonging to different persons are bounded on the division line between 2 townships, 1 person shall be taken from the township committee of each of the townships, to determine, as provided in sections 4:20-8, 4:20-11 and 4:20-12 of this Title, the place where a partition fence shall be set up and maintained, and the part or share thereof, if any, which each person shall make and maintain.
Amended by L.1958, c. 45, p. 151, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-14 - Failure of members of township committee to agree

4:20-14. Failure of members of township committee to agree
When two of the township committee, called as provided in this chapter to determine any matter in difference, cannot agree in their determination, they may call upon a disinterested freeholder of the neighborhood to join with them, and the determination of any two of them, made and certified in writing in the manner provided in this chapter, shall be binding and conclusive between the parties.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-15 - Failure of member of township committee to act; penalty

4:20-15. Failure of member of township committee to act; penalty
A member of a township committee who upon due notice, and the request of any person interested to perform any of the duties assigned to him by this chapter, shall refuse or neglect forthwith to attend accordingly, shall forfeit and pay the sum of four dollars and costs to any person who shall sue therefor in an action at law within thirty days after such neglect or refusal.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-16 - Fees of township committee members

4:20-16. Fees of township committee members
A member of a township committee shall be allowed, for the time he is engaged in the performance of duties under this chapter, one dollar per day and fifty cents for a half day, to be paid by the person or persons employing him.
When such person or persons shall fail to pay the members of the committee their legal fees within thirty days after the service done, they may severally recover double the amount of such fees, with costs of suit, by action at law. Each one of the committee may be a witness for or against his companion in any such action.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-17 - Notice as prerequisite to removal of partition fence

4:20-17. Notice as prerequisite to removal of partition fence
When a partition fence is made between 2 persons as directed in this chapter and either of them shall cease to use his adjoining lands for the pasturage or keeping of animals and shall desire to give up his improvement and leave the same open and common, he shall not take up or remove the fence without giving 1 year's notice in writing to the person in possession of the adjoining lands.
A person who shall remove such fence without giving the notice or before the expiration of the year, shall be liable to make good all damages sustained by the other person thereby, to be recovered, with costs of suit, in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Amended by L.1958, c. 45, p. 151, s. 6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-19 - Registration of agreements and certificates; fee

4:20-19. Registration of agreements and certificates; fee
The clerk of a township shall provide, at the expense of the township, a book for the purpose of registering written agreements of persons relative to a division of the fence or fences of their adjoining lands.
Such agreements and the certificates in writing of any two of the township committee who may make a division of any fence or fences under the provisions of this chapter shall be recorded by the clerk or clerks of the township or townships in which the fences are located, and the clerk or clerks shall be entitled to a fee of twenty-five cents for such service.
Before any such agreement or certificate is recorded it shall be acknowledged by the parties or said township committeemen, or the execution thereof proved as deeds of conveyance of lands are required to be acknowledged or proved before the recording thereof.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-21 - Failure of clerk to register; penalty

4:20-21. Failure of clerk to register; penalty
A township clerk who shall fail to enter or register an agreement or certificate such as is referred to in section 4:20-19 of this Title, within two weeks after it is made and delivered to him with a tender of the fees, shall forfeit five dollars ($5.00) to be recovered, with costs of action, by a civil action by any person who shall sue for it.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 44, s. 54.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-22 - Damages by animals breaking through lawful fences

4:20-22. Damages by animals breaking through lawful fences
When horses, cattle or sheep shall get over, creep through or break down any fence declared lawful by this chapter, the owner of the animals shall pay to the person injured all damages occasioned thereby, to be appraised and certified in writing by two substantial and indifferent men of the neighborhood mutually chosen by the parties, which men, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties, shall be owners of a class of property similar to that damaged. If the owner of the animals shall neglect or refuse to choose one of the appraisers then the injured party may choose both such appraisers himself. When the appraisers cannot agree upon the damages they may choose a freeholder of the neighborhood to join them, whereupon the appraisement by any two of them, made and certified in writing, shall be binding and conclusive upon the parties.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-23 - Impounding and sale of such animals

4:20-23. Impounding and sale of such animals
The person injured as provided in section 4:20-22 of this title may take and impound the animals found trespassing or doing damage, as therein provided, in his field or other inclosure for twenty-four hours and shall give notice thereof to the owner of the animals, if known and easily to be found.
If the animals are not redeemed within the twenty-four hours by payment of or satisfaction for the damages certified as provided in said section 4:20-22, the person damaged shall take them to the public pound of the township, where the poundkeeper shall receive and keep them until the damages so certified and the charges of conveying and pounding are paid.
The person damaged shall have twenty-five cents per head for horses and cattle and fifteen cents for sheep, for taking the animals to the pound, and the poundkeeper shall have the same fees for letting in and out of the pound, and forty cents per head for horses and cattle and twenty-five cents for sheep for every twenty-four hours they shall remain in the pound.
If the owner of the impounded animals does not pay the damages and charges of impounding within four days after the animals are impounded, or replevy them, the poundkeeper shall set up advertisements in at least three of the most public places in the township to which the pound belongs, and in one or more of the most public places in the two next adjoining townships, particularly describing the animals and giving at least thirty days' notice of an intended day and place of sale, and stating that if the owner does not appear and redeem the animals before the time so notified, they will be sold at public sale.
If the owner, or another for him, does not appear and redeem the animals at the time and place of the sale, the poundkeeper shall sell them accordingly, and out of the money arising therefrom shall pay the damages and charges of conveying to the pound, retain his fees for pounding, keeping and feeding the animals and the further sum of one dollar for each animal for setting up the advertisements and notice of sale and selling such animal, and return the surplus to the owner.
If the owner does not appear and claim the surplus within twelve calendar months after the sale, it shall be paid to the clerk of the township where the animals were impounded, for the use of the township.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-24 - Impounding and sale where no public pound

4:20-24. Impounding and sale where no public pound
Where there is no public pound kept within the township, the person damaged by animals trespassing as provided in section 4:20-22 of this title may impound them in his own field or inclosure until redeemed as provided in section 4:20-23 of this title, and he shall act in all respects, and be entitled to the same fees as the poundkeeper.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-25 - Molestation of gate in partition fence; penalty; damages and impounding of animals

4:20-25. Molestation of gate in partition fence; penalty; damages and impounding of animals
A person who shall stake, shore or leave open or insecure, or cut, break, pull down or destroy or in any way leave a gate, erected as a part of a partition fence as authorized in section 4:20-24 of this Title, so that the horses or cattle of the owner of the adjoining lands may pass through it, shall, for every such offense, be liable to a penalty of five dollars ($5.00), to be recovered with costs by a civil action by any person who shall sue for it.
The offender shall also pay to the owner or tenant of the lands trespassed upon all damages which he or they may have sustained thereby, to be appraised as provided in section 4:20-22 of this Title, which damages shall be recovered by a civil action.
The owner of the trespassing horses, cattle or sheep shall be entitled to protection from injury to such animals as provided in section 4:20-28 of this Title, and shall not be liable to have his animals impounded, or be liable to an action for damages accruing thereby.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 44, s. 55.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-26 - Effect of failure to maintain fences on damages and impounding

4:20-26. Effect of failure to maintain fences on damages and impounding
An owner or possessor of land who shall fail to make and keep in good repair the fence or fences about his own land as directed by this chapter, shall not have a cause of action for damages caused by animals of another person which by reason of such failure shall break in or enter into or upon such land, over or through such fence, nor shall such animals be impounded. This section shall not apply to partition fences.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-27 - Effect of failure to maintain portion of partition fence

4:20-27. Effect of failure to maintain portion of partition fence
A person to whom a part or share of a partition fence is assigned to make or amend and maintain as provided in this chapter, who shall neglect or refuse, after due notice, to make and repair such part or share, shall be liable to make good all damages, to be ascertained according to the directions of this chapter, caused by his own or the animals of a third person which by reason of such neglect or refusal shall break in, enter into or upon his neighbor's land, over or through such fence and his animals may be impounded and held in pound until he shall pay the damages and all charges occasioned thereby as provided in this chapter.
When the animals of a third person only have trespassed upon the neighbor's land by reason of such neglect or refusal, the neighbor may sue for and recover his damages, with costs, from the person so neglecting or refusing, in an action at law in any court of competent jurisdiction.
When the animals of the neighbor who has made and maintained the part or share of the partition fence assigned to him according to the directions of this chapter, or the animals of a third person, shall trespass on the land of a person through that part of the partition fence which he has neglected or refused to make or maintain, such neighbor or a third person shall not be liable to have their animals impounded or be liable to an action to recover damages accruing thereby.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-28 - Injuring animals trespassing for want of sufficient fence

4:20-28. Injuring animals trespassing for want of sufficient fence
An owner or possessor of land who is damaged for want of a lawful and sufficient fence and who shall hurt or cause any horses, cattle or sheep to be hurt, wounded, lamed, killed or destroyed, shall be liable to pay full damages to the owner of such animals, to be recovered, with costs, in an action at law in any court of competent jurisdiction.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-29 - Damages to animals by barbed wire partition fences

4:20-29. Damages to animals by barbed wire partition fences
A person who, without the consent of the adjoining landowner, shall erect a partition fence of barbed wire or wire on which barbs or points are strung or fastened shall be liable for all damages which may be caused thereby to the animals of the adjoining landowner.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-30 - Fences in highway for preservation of hedges

4:20-30. Fences in highway for preservation of hedges
A person who shall plant a hedge for fencing upon the line of a public highway three rods or more wide, may erect and keep up, for the preservation of such hedge for a period not exceeding six years from the planting thereof, a fence of the kind he may choose, out into the public highway at a distance of four feet from the hedge; and neither the officer, board or body having control of the highways nor any other person shall, within the six-year period, remove, destroy or in any manner injure the fence.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-31 - Ploughing or digging close to hedge prohibited

4:20-31. Ploughing or digging close to hedge prohibited
Neither the officer, board or body having control of the highways nor any other person shall plough, dig or otherwise turn up or remove any earth or soil within four feet of a hedge planted upon the line of a public highway, whether the fence authorized in section 4:20-30 of this title is put up or not.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:20-32 - Violations of sections 4:20-30 and 4:20-31; penalty; damages

4:20-32. Violations of sections 4:20-30 and 4:20-31; penalty; damages
Any person who shall offend against the provisions of sections 4:20-30 and 4:20-31 of this Title, or shall willfully injure, dig up, or otherwise deface or destroy any hedge sets, hedges or fence erected for their protection, shall for each offense be liable to a penalty of thirty dollars ($30.00), to be recovered, with costs, in a court of competent jurisdiction, by a civil action by and in the name of the person injured, and in addition thereto shall be liable for all damages to the person injured.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 45, s. 56.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:21-3 - Interference with impounding of animals; penalty

4:21-3. Interference with impounding of animals; penalty
A person, having charge of horses, cattle, sheep or swine found running at large in the streets or highways or trespassing upon the improved lands of another, who shall attempt to hinder or take away such animals from a person taking or driving or attempting to take or drive them to the pound; or a person who shall unlawfully drive from a public pound in the township horses, cattle, sheep or swine which are therein impounded, shall be liable to a penalty of fifteen dollars ($15.00) to be recovered in a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction by and for the use of any person prosecuting the suit.
Amended by L.1953, c. 5, p. 45, s. 57.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:21-4 - Right to drive animals over streets and highways

4:21-4. Right to drive animals over streets and highways
Nothing in this article shall debar a person from driving horses, cattle, sheep or swine along or over the streets or highways of a township to or from pasture, or from using the streets or highways for the purpose of driving over them in any lawful way.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:21-5 - Fee for taking stray or trespassing animals to pound

4:21-5. Fee for taking stray or trespassing animals to pound
For bringing horses, cattle, sheep or swine to the pound as authorized by sections 4:21-1 and 4:21-2 of this title, the person bringing them shall receive two dollars and fifty cents per head from the poundkeeper to be by him collected from the owner as provided in section 4:21-7 of this title.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:21-7 - Sale of impounded animals and disposition of proceeds

4:21-7. Sale of impounded animals and disposition of proceeds
If the owner of cattle, horses, sheep or swine impounded as provided in sections 4:21-1 and 4:21-2 of this title, shall not pay the charges for impounding and keeping such animals within five days after they are impounded, and take them away, the poundkeeper shall give at least five days' notice of the intended sale of such animals by setting up notices in five or more public places in the township.
If the owner shall not redeem the animals before the time so notified, the poundkeeper shall sell them accordingly, either on the day so advertised or on the day to which the sale may be publicly adjourned.
Out of the money arising from the sale the poundkeeper shall pay the charges of conveying to and letting into the pound, keeping and feeding the animals and two dollars for advertising and one dollar per head for selling them, and pay the surplus to the owner of the animals if he shall appear and claim it within three months after the sale.
If the owner shall not appear within three months, the surplus shall be paid to the overseer of the poor of the township for the use of the poor thereof.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:21B-1 - Establishment and operation to provide services for alteration of reproductive capacity; ordinance; fees

4:21B-1. Establishment and operation to provide services for alteration of reproductive capacity; ordinance; fees
Any municipality individually or two or more municipalities jointly may, by ordinance, provide for the establishment and operation of a clinic to provide services for the alteration of the reproductive capacity through spaying or neutering of cats and dogs owned by the residents thereof. Any such ordinance may provide for reasonable fees to be paid for such services, which fees shall not exceed the costs incurred by the municipality in establishing and operating such clinic.
L.1978, c. 120, s. 1, eff. Sept. 25, 1978.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:21B-2 - Notarized authorization by owner for consent and agreement to hold harmless

4:21B-2. Notarized authorization by owner for consent and agreement to hold harmless
Any animal which is presented at such clinic for alteration shall be accompanied by a notarized authorization signed by the owner thereof consenting to such alteration and agreeing to hold the clinic, the municipality, its agents, servants and employees harmless for any damages arising therefrom or incidental thereto.
L.1978, c. 120, s. 2, eff. Sept. 25, 1978.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:21B-3 - Terms and conditions for maintenance of animal while in custody of clinic

4:21B-3. Terms and conditions for maintenance of animal while in custody of clinic
Any municipality or municipalities enacting an ordinance as authorized by this act shall further provide for the regulation of such clinic with respect to the terms and conditions under which any animal will be maintained while the animal remains in the custody of the clinic.
L.1978, c. 120, s. 3, eff. Sept. 25, 1978.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-11.12 - Assistance from governmental entities.

4:22-11.12 Assistance from governmental entities.
12. All State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and all county and municipal health agencies shall, upon request, make every reasonable effort to assist any municipal humane law enforcement officer or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in the enforcement of all laws and ordinances enacted for the protection of animals.
L.2005, c.372, s.12; amended 2017, c.331, s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.3 - Eligibility.

4:22-14.3 Eligibility.
27. Any humane law enforcement officer or agent appointed by a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, prior to the date of enactment of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.1 et al.), or the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shall be eligible for designation as a municipal humane law enforcement officer pursuant to section 26 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.2) or as a humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals pursuant to section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5).
L.2017, c.331, s.27.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.4 - Actions of county prosecutor.

4:22-14.4 Actions of county prosecutor.
28. a. Each county prosecutor shall:
(1) designate any municipal or county prosecutor as the animal cruelty prosecutor of the county, and may designate any assistant animal cruelty prosecutor as needed, who shall investigate, prosecute, and take other legal action as appropriate for violations of any provision of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes, and who may serve in such capacity on a part-time basis if the responsibilities of the position allow;
(2) (a) designate, in consultation with the county sheriff, a county law enforcement officer to serve as the chief humane law enforcement officer of the county, and may designate any other law enforcement officer under the supervision of the chief humane law enforcement officer, who shall assist with investigations, arrest violators, and otherwise act as an officer for detection, apprehension, and arrest of offenders against the provisions of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes; or
(b) enter into a memorandum of understanding with the county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals designated pursuant to section 32 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.8), which authorizes the county society, under the supervision of the county prosecutor, to assist with enforcement of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes, and to designate humane law enforcement officers, subject to the provisions of section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5), to assist with investigations, arrest violators, and otherwise act as an officer for detection, apprehension, and arrest of offenders against the provisions of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes; and
(3) designate a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals pursuant to the provisions of section 32 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.8) with which, to the extent practicable and as needed, the county prosecutor and county sheriff shall coordinate shelter and care for animals.
b. A person who has been convicted of, or found civilly liable for, a violation of any provision of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes or whose name is on the list or any revision thereto established and provided by the Commissioner of Health pursuant to subsection c. of section 3 of P.L.1983, c.525 (C.4:19-15.16a) shall not be designated by the county prosecutor for any position provided in subsection a. of this section.
L.2017, c.331, s.28.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.5 - Submission of application.

4:22-14.5 Submission of application.
29. a. (1) An application for designation as a humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals pursuant to subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4) shall be submitted by the governing body of the county society to the county prosecutor. Upon receipt of the application, the county prosecutor shall examine the character, competency, and fitness of the applicant for the position, including initiating a criminal background check at the expense of the applicant.
(2) Upon completion of an examination of an applicant, the county prosecutor shall approve or reject the applicant and provide a written determination, to the applicant and to the county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, which, if applicable, shall state any reasons for rejecting the applicant.
b. The governing body of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shall not submit an applicant for designation as, and shall terminate the designation of, a humane law enforcement officer who has been convicted of, or found civilly liable for, a violation of any provision of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes or whose name is on the list or any revision thereto established and provided by the Commissioner of Health pursuant to subsection c. of section 3 of P.L.1983, c.525 (C.4:19-15.16a).
c. A county prosecutor may authorize a humane law enforcement officer to possess, carry, and use a firearm while enforcing the laws and ordinances enacted for the protection of animals, if the officer:
(1) has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course as defined in subsection j. of N.J.S.2C:39-6 and approved by the Police Training Commission; and
(2) twice annually qualifies in the use of a revolver or similar weapon.
d. A county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals that has entered into a memorandum of agreement with the county prosecutor pursuant to subparagraph (b) of paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4) shall submit by October 1 of each year, a report to the animal cruelty prosecutor designated pursuant to subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4) which shall include, for the most recently concluded State fiscal year, the number of complaints received for each offense under article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes and the number of cases referred to the county prosecutor, and may contain any policy recommendations or concerns of the county society related to animal cruelty law enforcement in the county. The animal cruelty prosecutor shall compile these reports and submit them to the Attorney General as part of the annual report required pursuant to subsection d. of section 31 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.7).
L.2017, c.331, s.29.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.6 - Power, authority of designated officer.

4:22-14.6 Power, authority of designated officer.
30. a. Any law enforcement officer designated pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4), or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals designated pursuant to section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5) shall have the power and authority within the jurisdiction in which the officer is designated, or otherwise authorized to act, to:
(1) enforce all animal welfare and animal cruelty laws of the State;
(2) investigate and sign complaints concerning any violation of an animal welfare or animal cruelty law of the State; and
(3) act as an officer for the detection, apprehension, and arrest of offenders against the animal welfare and animal cruelty laws of the State and ordinances of any municipality.
b. Every law enforcement officer designated pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4), or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals designated pursuant to section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5), shall:
(1) abide by the provisions of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes; and
(2) satisfactorily complete the training course developed pursuant to subsection a. of section 11 of P.L.2005, c.372 (C.4:22-11.11), subject to the provisions of subsection c. of section 11 of P.L.2005, c.372 (C.4:22-11.11) as applicable, as soon as practicable, but no later than one year after the date of the officer's designation.
c. Upon request for assistance by a municipality, county, or other entity that did not designate the humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals pursuant to section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5), or other law enforcement officer pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4), the humane law enforcement officer or other law enforcement officer may, within the jurisdiction of the municipality, county, or other entity making the request, exercise the powers and authority granted pursuant to this section.
L.2017, c.331, s.30.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.7 - Duties of animal cruelty prosecutor.

4:22-14.7 Duties of animal cruelty prosecutor.
31. An animal cruelty prosecutor shall:
a. promote the interests of, and protect and care for, animals within the county;
b. investigate and prosecute violations of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes;
c. request the assistance of the Department of Agriculture in the investigation of any violation concerning livestock; and
d. submit, by January 1 of each year, a report to the Attorney General which shall include the following information pertaining to animal cruelty law enforcement in the county for the most recently concluded State fiscal year:
(1) the number of complaints received from each municipality and from the county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, as applicable, for each violation of any provision of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes;
(2) the number of complaints investigated;
(3) the number of complaints prosecuted or otherwise litigated;
(4) the number of animals adjudged forfeited;
(5) the number of animals returned to the owner;
(6) proceeds from fines collected for violations of any provision of article 2 of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes; and
(7) as applicable, any policy recommendations or concerns related to animal cruelty law enforcement in the county, or as described by a municipal humane law enforcement officer in the annual report required pursuant to paragraph (5) of subsection c. of section 26 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.2) or by a humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals in the annual report required pursuant to subsection d. of section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5).
L.2017, c.331, s.31.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.8 - Designation as county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

4:22-14.8 Designation as county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
32. A county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals which is chartered as such as of the day prior to the date of enactment of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.1 et al.) shall, if the county society so desires, be designated as the county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals upon enactment of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.1 et al.). If a chartered county society elects not to be so designated, or no county society is chartered in the county, the county prosecutor shall select a non-profit corporation that is organized to promote the interests of, and protect and care for, animals to be designated as the county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. The county society shall be responsible for efficiently providing or locating humane shelter and care for any animals at the request of the county prosecutor, the county sheriff, or a municipal humane law enforcement officer.
L.2017, c.331, s.32.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.9 - Construction of act.

4:22-14.9 Construction of act.
33. a. The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shall not grant, revoke, cancel, or suspend any charter for a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
b. Nothing in P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.1 et al.) shall be construed so as to require a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals chartered as such as of the day prior to the date of enactment of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.1 et al.) to surrender any assets to the State, or any political subdivision or other entity thereof.
L.2017, c.331, s.33.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-14.10 - Actions by Attorney General.

4:22-14.10 Actions by Attorney General.
34. a. The Attorney General shall take any action necessary to facilitate the reincorporation of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a non-profit corporation independent of the State. Notwithstanding any State law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the State shall not assume responsibility for any debts, liabilities, or other obligations of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
b. Any assets of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals held in escrow by the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pursuant to subsection j. of section 4 of P.L.2005, c.372 (C.4:22-11.4) shall be transferred to the Attorney General to hold in escrow until such time as the assets may be transferred back to the county society from whom they were originally transferred, the status of the county society's charter notwithstanding. Should the Attorney General find the transfer to be inappropriate or impossible, the assets shall be used for the purpose of protecting animals in the county from which the assets were originally transferred.
L.2017, c.331, s.34.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-15 - Definitions.

4:22-15 Definitions.
4:22-15. As used in this article:
"Animal" or "creature" includes the whole brute creation.
"Bodily injury" means physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition.
"Necessary care" means care sufficient to preserve the health and well-being of an animal, and includes, but is not limited to: food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or maintenance of body weight; adequate access to water in sufficient quantity and quality to satisfy the animal's needs; access to adequate protection from the weather; and veterinary care to alleviate suffering and maintain health.
"Owner" or "person" includes a corporation, and the knowledge and acts of an agent or employee of a corporation in regard to animals transported, owned, employed, or in the custody of the corporation shall be imputed to the corporation.
"Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
amended 2013, c.88, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-16 - Permitted activities

4:22-16 Permitted activities
4:22-16. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to prohibit or interfere with:
a. Properly conducted scientific experiments performed under the authority of the Department of Health and Senior Services or the United States Department of Agriculture. Those departments may authorize the conduct of such experiments or investigations by agricultural stations and schools maintained by the State or federal government, or by medical societies, universities, colleges and institutions incorporated or authorized to do business in this State and having among their corporate purposes investigation into the causes, nature, prevention and cure of diseases in men and animals; and may for cause revoke such authority;
b. The killing or disposing of an animal or creature by virtue of the order of a constituted authority of the State;
c. The shooting or taking of game or game fish in such manner and at such times as is allowed or provided by the laws of this State;
d. The training or engaging of a dog to accomplish a task or participate in an activity or exhibition designed to develop the physical or mental characteristics of that dog. These activities shall be carried out in accordance with the practices, guidelines or rules established by an organization founded for the purpose of promoting and enhancing working dog activities or exhibitions; in a manner which does not adversely affect the health or safety of the dog; and may include avalanche warning, guide work, obedience work, carting, dispatching, freight racing, packing, sled dog racing, sledding, tracking, and weight pull demonstrations;
e. The raising, keeping, care, treatment, marketing, and sale of domestic livestock in accordance with the standards developed and adopted therefor pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1995, c.311 (C.4:22-16.1); and
f. The killing or disposing , by a reasonable or commercially acceptable method or means, of a Norway or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), black rat (Rattus rattus), or house mouse (Mus musculus) by any person, or with the permission or at the direction of that person, while the animal is on property either owned or leased by, or otherwise under the control of, that person, provided that the animal is not a pet.
Amended 1985, c.433, s.1; 1995, c.311, s.2; 1997, c.88.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Agriculture and Domestic Animals › Section 4:22-16.1 - Adoption of standards, rules, regulations for treatment of domestic livestock

4:22-16.1. Adoption of standards, rules, regulations for treatment of domestic livestock
1. a. The State Board of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and within six months of the date of enactment of this act, shall develop and adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.): (1) standards for the humane raising, keeping, care, treatment, marketing, and sale of domestic livestock; and (2) rules and regulations governing the enforcement of those standards.
b. Notwithstanding any provision in this title to the contrary:
(1) there shall exist a presumption that the raising, keeping, care, treatment, marketing, and sale of domestic livestock in accordance with the standards developed and adopted therefor pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall not constitute a violation of any provision of this title involving alleged cruelty to, or inhumane care or treatment of, domestic livestock;
(2) no person may be cited or arrested for a first offense involving a minor or incidental violation, as defined by rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection a. of this section, of any provision of this title involving alleged cruelty to, or inhumane care or treatment of, domestic livestock, unless that person has first been issued a written warning.
c. For the purposes of this act, "domestic livestock" means cattle, horses, donkeys, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, fowl, and any other domesticated animal deemed by the State Board of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, to be domestic livestock for such purposes, according to rules and regulations adopted by the department and the board pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act."
L.1995,c.311,s.1.