Bill > S3322

Introduced Session

This bill would authorize the court to appoint an advocate in certain criminal cases that affect the welfare or care of a cat or dog. In certain criminal court proceedings pursuant to R.S.4:22-17 et seq.(Cruelty) or to P.L.2015, c.85 (C.2C:33-31) (Dog Fighting), or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare or custody of a cat or dog, the court may order, upon its own initiative or upon request of a party or counsel for a party, that a separate advocate be appointed to represent the best interests of the animal. The court will select an advocate from a list provided to the court by the Administrative Director of the Courts. This list will contain names of attorneys with knowledge of animal issues and the legal system and a list of law schools that have students with an interest in animal issues and the legal system. All attorneys and law students will be eligible to serve on a volunteer basis. The advocate may have the following duties: (1) monitor the case; (2) attend hearings; (3) consult any individual with information relating to the welfare or care of the cat or dog; (4) review records relating to the condition of the cat or dog and the defendant's actions; and (5) present information or recommendations to the court that relate to the best interests of the animal. This bill is modeled on Connecticut's "Desmond's Law."

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Nick Scutari (D)*,  Troy Singleton (D)*,  Dawn Addiego (D),  Christopher Bateman (R),  Teresa Ruiz (D),  Shirley Turner (D), 

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/09/2020)