Bill
Bill > A697
NJ A697
NJ A697Prohibits persons violating animal cruelty law from owning, keeping, or harboring animals; requires DHSS establish and maintain website list of such persons.
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 prohibits any person found guilty of, or liable for, a violation of the State animal cruelty laws from owning, keeping, or harboring an animal. The bill prohibits any such person from licensing or registering a dog or cat. The bill also provides for the seizure and confiscation of animals from people convicted of, or liable for, a violation of the animal cruelty laws. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish a readily identifiable location on the department's website where any member of the public may access the list of such violators. The department is currently required to maintain such a list for persons ineligible to be animal control officers. The bill further directs the department to confirm there are no changes to the online list or update the online list at that location at least every 30 days. Finally, the bill directs the department to issue to each municipal clerk, and to each kennel, shelter, pound, and pet shop known to the department, as soon as practicable, a notice in writing with information about the list and how it can be accessed.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits individuals convicted of or found civilly liable for animal cruelty from owning, keeping, or harboring animals, and also prevents them from licensing or registering dogs and cats. It mandates that the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) create and maintain a publicly accessible website listing these individuals, updating it at least every 30 days, and also requires the DHSS to notify municipal clerks and animal-related businesses about this list. Furthermore, the bill authorizes law enforcement and animal control officers to seize and confiscate animals from individuals on this list, with subsequent court proceedings for the animal's disposition. This measure expands upon existing requirements for the DHSS to maintain a list of individuals ineligible to be animal control officers, incorporating those found guilty of animal cruelty into a broader prohibition and public registry.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
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/A697 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/697_I1.HTM |
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