New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A127

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

"New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."

Impact

The bill mandates that no facility receiving a domestic companion animal can refuse acceptance, ensuring that every animal can find care and potentially a new home. Additionally, the Commissioner of Health is tasked with creating an educational program to inform the public about these safe haven options. This program will involve distributing informational materials to schools, thereby promoting awareness among students and the wider community about responsible pet ownership and care options. Explicit guidelines are set for shelters on how to handle these animals, with an emphasis on providing necessary care until further disposition.

Summary

Bill A127, known as the 'New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act,' aims to address the welfare of abandoned domestic companion animals in New Jersey. Recognizing that animals are sometimes abandoned outside shelters or pounds, the bill establishes provisions allowing individuals to voluntarily and anonymously deliver these animals to designated facilities such as shelters, veterinary hospitals, or police stations. The intent is to provide a humane option for individuals who can no longer care for their pets and to prevent unacceptable suffering from abandonment.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for providing essential protections to vulnerable animals, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation of such a program and whether it sufficiently addresses the root causes of pet abandonment. Critics may argue that the bill does not provide enough resources or preventative measures to address the issues that lead to pet abandonment in the first place. However, supporters contend that creating a safe haven for these animals represents a significant step in promoting animal welfare and preventing suffering.

Companion Bills

NJ S2108

Same As "New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."

Similar Bills

NJ S2108

"New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."

NJ A3821

"New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."

NJ S849

"New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act."

MN HF1168

Companion Animal Board established, duties and responsibilities provided, companion animal license plate established, duties transferred, report required, rulemaking authorized, and money appropriated.

MN SF1136

Companion Animal Board establishment

ME LD595

An Act to Establish the Companion Animal Sterilization Program in the Maine Revised Statutes

MN HF2490

Companion Animal Board established, and money appropriated.

MN SF2415

Companion Animal Board establishment, duties transfer, rulemaking authorization, and appropriation