New Jersey's animal cruelty laws apply statewide, prohibiting neglect and overcrowding that constitute hoarding, with enforcement by humane officers and police.
Under N.J.S.A. 4:22-17 through 4:22-26, it is a crime to fail to provide adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, or to keep animals in unsanitary or overcrowded conditions characteristic of hoarding. The 2017 reform transferred enforcement authority to county prosecutors and municipal humane law enforcement officers. Courts may order forfeiture of animals, mental health evaluations, and bans on future ownership. These provisions apply uniformly throughout the state.
Neglect is a disorderly persons offense; aggravated cases carry indictable charges, fines from $250 to $5,000, and potential imprisonment plus animal forfeiture.
See how Vernon's animal hoarding rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.