New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3273

Introduced
3/7/22  

Caption

Establishes animal abuser registry; prohibits person convicted of criminal animal cruelty violation from owning, keeping, or harboring any animal, and establishes enforcement mechanisms therefor.

Impact

The enactment of A3273 will significantly alter existing state laws relating to animal control and welfare. By establishing a registry, it provides greater accountability for individuals previously convicted of animal cruelty offenses, effectively barring them from owning pets or working in occupations related to animal care. Furthermore, the law enforces that animal shelters, kennels, and pet shops must consult this registry before selling or transferring animals, thereby protecting the animals from potential future abuse by unrehabilitated offenders.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3273 aims to establish a statewide animal abuser registry in New Jersey, managed by the Department of Health (DOH). This registry is designed to include individuals convicted of criminal animal cruelty violations, providing a means to inform the public and involved organizations about who is barred from ownership, keeping, or harboring animals. The bill mandates that the DOH update and publish this registry on its website, ensuring that it remains a current and accessible resource for local authorities and citizens alike. The legislation is intended to enhance animal welfare standards by preventing those with a history of animal cruelty from interacting with animals in any capacity.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding the implementation of such a registry, particularly concerning the privacy rights of individuals entering the registry and the administrative responsibilities imposed on various agencies for maintaining the list. Critics might argue that while the intent to protect animals is noble, the registry could potentially label individuals inappropriately or fail to account for rehabilitation. Moreover, opposition may arise regarding the costs associated with running the registry and training staff within local governments to appropriately handle the seizures and enforcement actions described in the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3709

Prohibits persons convicted of criminal animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."

NJ A2826

Prohibits persons convicted of criminal animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."

NJ S333

"Moose's Law"; prohibits persons convicted of criminal animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; establishes presumption against pretrial intervention for certain persons.

NJ A803

Prohibits persons violating animal cruelty law from owning, keeping, or harboring animals; requires DHSS establish and maintain website list of such persons.

NJ A2470

Prohibits persons violating animal cruelty law from owning, keeping, or harboring animals; requires DHSS establish and maintain website list of such persons.

NJ S3746

"Moose's Law"; prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; establishes presumption against pretrial intervention for certain persons.

NJ S4446

Establishes Animal Cruelty Offender Registry; prohibits purchase, adoption, and breeding of animals by animal cruelty offenders.

NJ S448

Establishes Animal Cruelty Offender Registry; prohibits purchase, adoption, and breeding of animals by animal cruelty offenders.

NJ A1382

Establishes Animal Cruelty Offender Registry; prohibits purchase, adoption, and breeding of animals by animal cruelty offenders.

NJ A2354

Establishes procedures for seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations.

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