Bill
Bill > S2501
NJ S2501
NJ S2501Establishes certain animal abuse offenses committed in manner manifesting extreme indifference to value of animal's life as crime of second degree; designated as "River's Law."
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 establishes as a crime of the second degree a violation of paragraph (1) of subsection c. of R.S.4:22-17 committed against a domestic companion animal in a manner manifesting extreme indifference to the value of the animal's life. Paragraph (1) of subsection c. of R.S.4:22-17 makes it unlawful to purposely, knowingly, or recklessly torment, torture, maim, hang, poison, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, cruelly abuse, or needlessly mutilate a living animal or creature. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. These offenses would constitute aggravated animal abuse. The bill is designated as River's Law in recognition of River, an animal that suffered this type of aggravated abuse committed in a manner manifesting extreme indifference to the value of the animal's life.
AI Summary
This bill, known as "River's Law," establishes a new crime of the second degree for aggravated animal abuse against a domestic companion animal, specifically when the abuse is committed in a way that shows extreme indifference to the animal's life. This means that if someone purposely, knowingly, or recklessly torments, tortures, maims, poisons, cruelly beats, cruelly abuses, or needlessly mutilates a domestic companion animal in such a manner, they can face penalties of five to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. The bill amends existing law (R.S.4:22-17) which already prohibits various forms of animal cruelty, but this new provision elevates the severity of the offense when the abuse is particularly egregious and demonstrates a profound disregard for the animal's value. The law is named in honor of River, an animal that suffered from such severe abuse.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S2501 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2501_I1.HTM |
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