Bill
Bill > S2408
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that any person, may voluntarily and anonymously deliver a domestic companion animal to a shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station in the State, and leave the animal with an employee, veterinarian, or police officer at the facility. The bill provides that the person would not be liable for the care or disposition of the animal. The bill further provides that no employee, veterinarian, or police officer at the shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station, as applicable, may refuse to accept any domestic companion animal. Finally, the bill directs the Commissioner of Health to establish a public education and information program to disseminate the information on the requirements of this bill to every municipality, shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, police station, and public school with students in grades three through 12.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act," allows any person to anonymously surrender a pet, defined as a domestic companion animal kept for companionship rather than business or agriculture, to a designated facility such as a shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station, without fear of liability for the animal's future care or disposition. These facilities are legally obligated to accept any surrendered animal and must post clear information about their acceptance hours and alternative options if they are closed. The bill also mandates that the Commissioner of Health establish a public education program to inform municipalities, animal welfare organizations, veterinary practices, police departments, and schools (grades 3-12) about these new provisions, aiming to prevent the inhumane abandonment of pets.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2408 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2408_I1.HTM |
Loading...