Bill > A1613

This bill prohibits individuals convicted of or found civilly liable for animal cruelty violations from owning, keeping, or harboring animals in New Jersey. To enforce this, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will establish and maintain a public website listing these individuals. Courts and other administrative entities will be required to report such convictions or liabilities to the DHSS, which will then update the online list at least every 30 days. Municipal clerks and pet-related businesses will be notified of the list's availability and purpose. Law enforcement or animal control officers who discover an animal owned by someone on this list will seize the animal and petition the court for its proper disposition. This measure aims to prevent further animal mistreatment by those with a history of violating animal cruelty laws.