New Jersey Statewide Rule
New Jersey Animal Cruelty and Hoarding Statutes
Key Facts
- Statute
- N.J.S.A. 4:22-17 et seq.
- Enforcement
- County prosecutors, humane officers
- Possible penalty
- Up to 18 months prison
- Court remedies
- Forfeiture and ownership bans
Summary
New Jersey's animal cruelty laws apply statewide, prohibiting neglect and overcrowding that constitute hoarding, with enforcement by humane officers and police.
a. It shall be unlawful to: (1) Overdrive, overload, drive when overloaded, overwork, abuse, or needlessly kill a living animal or creature; (2) Cause or procure, by any direct or indirect means, including but not limited to through the use of another living animal or creature, any of the acts described in paragraph (1) of this subsection to be done;
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
Neglect is a disorderly persons offense; aggravated cases carry indictable charges, fines from $250 to $5,000, and potential imprisonment plus animal forfeiture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is animal hoarding a specific crime in New Jersey?
Can a court ban a hoarder from owning animals?
Sources
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