Bill > S1976

This bill makes it illegal to slaughter horses for human consumption and to sell or transport horse meat for human consumption in New Jersey. Specifically, it establishes that anyone who knowingly slaughters a horse for human consumption, sells or offers for sale horse flesh or products made from it for human consumption, or transports a horse or horse meat for human consumption commits a disorderly persons offense, which is a minor criminal offense. Violators face a minimum fine of $100 and a minimum of 30 days in jail. The bill also amends existing animal cruelty laws to include these prohibitions and specifies penalties, including fines of $500 to $1,000 for each horse slaughtered or transported illegally, or for each horse carcass or meat product sold or offered for sale. Newspapers are exempt from liability unless they knowingly publish advertisements for the sale of horse meat. This legislation aims to prevent the practice of horse slaughter and the sale of horse flesh for human consumption within the state.