New Jersey Assembly Bill A3491

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance.

Impact

The bill expands upon existing regulations set forth in the 'Homes for Animal Heroes Act' by including ferrets within its adoption procedures, which were previously limited to cats and dogs. By obligating testing facilities to register with the Office of Veterinary Public Health (OVPH) and report on the animals’ conditions and adoption processes, it establishes a framework within which these facilities must operate, thus increasing accountability. This could significantly change the landscape of animal welfare relating to research practices in the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3491 requires any cat, dog, or ferret that is used for product testing or research in the state of New Jersey to be assessed for its suitability for adoption upon conclusion of the testing. If deemed suitable, the bill mandates that these animals must be offered for adoption to animal rescue organizations or private individuals. This legislation aims to enhance the fate of animals used in research and testing facilities, ensuring that if they are no longer required for testing, they can find new homes rather than face euthanasia.

Contention

Notably, the bill also introduces civil penalties for noncompliance, imposing fines of $10,000 for a first offense and $50,000 for subsequent offenses. If an institution fails to adhere to the provisions outlined in the bill, the DOH is authorized to seek an injunction, effectively restricting that institution from conducting further testing. This aspect of the bill may prompt debate about the potential financial burden these penalties could impose on research institutions and companies while also highlighting the ethical imperative to treat research animals humanely.