Bill
Bill > A178
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 shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station without fear of liability for the animal's future care or disposition. These facilities, including pounds (places for stray or unwanted animals) and shelters (places that house stray or unwanted animals), are legally required to accept any surrendered pet, and veterinary hospitals and police stations must hold them until transferred to a shelter or pound, providing necessary care in the interim. The bill also mandates that these facilities post signs detailing their acceptance hours and alternatives for surrender, and it directs the Commissioner of Health to create a public education program, including a hotline and materials for schools, to inform the public about these safe haven options, drawing a parallel to existing laws that provide safe havens for infants.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development 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/A178 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/178_I1.HTM |
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