Bill > S466

This bill prohibits individuals convicted of or found civilly liable for animal cruelty violations from owning, keeping, or harboring animals in New Jersey, and mandates the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to create and maintain a public website listing these individuals. The DHSS will establish a readily accessible online list, updated at least every 30 days, and will notify municipalities, kennels, shelters, pounds, and pet shops about its availability and purpose. Municipal officials will be prevented from issuing animal licenses to individuals on this list, and law enforcement or animal control officers will be empowered to seize and confiscate animals from those found to be in violation of this prohibition, initiating court proceedings for the animal's disposition. The bill also amends existing law to ensure that courts and administrative entities promptly report convictions or civil liabilities for animal cruelty to the DHSS for inclusion on this new list.