New Jersey Assembly Bill A2826

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

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."

Impact

If enacted, A2826 would amend existing state laws relating to animal cruelty, introducing new regulations aimed at ensuring that individuals who have previously committed offenses related to animal cruelty are barred from working or interacting with animals in various capacities. This would create a significant shift in how animal welfare is approached within professional environments such as shelters, veterinary offices, and other animal care entities. The bill also emphasizes the importance of performing criminal background checks for current and potential employees and volunteers at these enterprises.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2826, designated as 'Moose's Law', aims to enhance the welfare of domestic animals in New Jersey by prohibiting individuals convicted of criminal animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and participating in animal-related enterprises. The bill not only restricts ownership but also outlines specifics regarding who may be employed or volunteer with animals, effectively establishing a framework to safeguard vulnerable animals from potential abuse. By imposing these restrictions, the law is intended to prevent those with a history of animal cruelty from repeating such acts in a professional context.

Contention

The bill may face pushback from those concerned about the implications for rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have committed animal-related offenses. Critics could argue that the restrictions might not consider the possibility of change in individuals who have served their penalties or undergone rehabilitation. Furthermore, the legal definitions and pathways for reintegration, particularly concerning the ability for former offenders to apply for jobs in animal-related fields after a conviction is reversed, present potential points of contention in legislative discussions.