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Bill > A3644
NJ A3644
NJ A3644Establishes 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, specifically targeting violations of existing animal cruelty laws (R.S.4:22-17, paragraph (1) of subsection c.) committed against a domestic companion animal in a manner that shows extreme indifference to the animal's life. Existing law already prohibits purposely, knowingly, or recklessly tormenting, torturing, maiming, poisoning, cruelly beating, or mutilating animals. A crime of the second degree carries a penalty of five to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. The bill is named in honor of River, an animal that suffered from such severe abuse.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary 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/A3644 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A4000/3644_I1.HTM |
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