Bill > S3061

This bill establishes new registration and reporting requirements for tiger owners in New Jersey to combat illegal trade. It mandates that individuals owning tigers must register them with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), providing detailed information about the owner, the tiger (including its birth date, weight, sex, and distinguishing marks), and where it will be kept. Owners will also need to submit hair samples for DNA analysis and provide annual updates on the tiger's weight and multiple digital photographs. Upon approval, the DEP will issue a unique identification number for each tiger, which will remain with the animal throughout its life and even after death. Furthermore, tigers must be implanted with a subcutaneous microchip containing the owner's information and the tiger's unique identification number, with the cost borne by the owner. The bill also outlines procedures for reporting tiger relocation or changes in ownership, requiring at least 14 days' notice for relocation and immediate re-application for registration by a new owner. It also specifies protocols for the disposal of deceased tigers, requiring the removal of microchips and submission of remains to a qualified disposal agent, along with sworn affidavits to the DEP. The bill also grants the DEP authority to inspect premises and examine tigers to ensure compliance and establishes penalties for violations, referencing existing laws for enforcement. Finally, it clarifies that these new regulations are in addition to any other existing laws concerning endangered species or wildlife.