Bill
Bill > A291
NJ A291
NJ A291Includes animal cruelty against victim's animal within definition of domestic violence and other types of abuse; establishes immunity for reporting animal cruelty; mandates reporting of animal cruelty in certain circumstances.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would require a veterinarian, veterinary technician, or any person who has reasonable cause to believe an animal has been subjected to an act of animal cruelty to report the suspected violation to the appropriate law enforcement officer The bill would also expand the statutory definitions of child and elder abuse, abuse of persons with a disability, and domestic violence to include acts of animal cruelty against animals owned or possessed by the persons affected by these types of abuse. The bill requires any employee responsible to investigate domestic violence and abuse, including certain employees of the Department of Children and Families, caregivers at residential health care facilities, certain employees of the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging, and police officers, to report any suspected animal cruelty to an appropriate law enforcement officer. Finally, the bill provides civil and criminal immunity for a person who, in good faith, reports a suspected animal cruelty violation and a suspected violation of the standards or rules and regulations concerning domestic livestock established pursuant to P.L.1995, c.311 (C.4:22-16.1).
AI Summary
This bill would require veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and certain government employees (such as child abuse investigators, caregivers at residential health facilities, and police officers investigating domestic violence) to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement. The bill also expands the definitions of child abuse, elder abuse, abuse of persons with disabilities, and domestic violence to include acts of animal cruelty against animals owned or possessed by the affected persons. Additionally, the bill provides civil and criminal immunity for persons who in good faith report suspected animal cruelty violations.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A291 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A0500/291_I1.HTM |
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