Animals Can Be Seized Without Warrant Under New NJ Animal Cruelty Law

NEW JERSEY — As August begins, there are several new laws that have taken effect in New Jersey: two which deal with the humane treatment of animals, and one requiring local officials to report election night results in a more timely manner.

Take a look at recent legislation that was signed into law in New Jersey.

Animal laws - livestock and animals seized in cruelty cases

Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy signed two sets of bills into law which deal with the treatment of animals: both the breeding of pigs and cows, and the care of animals seized in animal cruelty cases.

One bill (S981/A2354) establishes procedures for the seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations.

This law authorizes courts to issue warrants allowing a humane law enforcement officer, or a state or local law enforcement officer, to enter private property to take custody of an animal if there is probable cause of animal cruelty.

This bill also authorizes officers to enter private property without a warrant to take custody of an animal, “in cases where an officer has a reasonable basis to believe that immediate assistance is required to protect the animal from harm.”

In addition, the bill requires any animal taken into custody to “be placed in the care of a licensed shelter, pound, or kennel operating as a shelter or pound." Animal care agencies are also able to file complaints in New Jersey Superior Court "seeking the reasonable costs of care for the animal."

Elissa Frank, New Jersey State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, said this law "will help New Jersey shelters wisely and humanely allocate their limited resources."

"By requiring an abusive owner to pay the reasonable court-approved costs of caring for a seized animal or forfeit ownership of the animal to the custodial shelter – which can then begin the process of finding the animal a permanent home – this essential law will help New Jersey shelters wisely and humanely allocate their limited resources," she said.

The other law (A1970/S1298) sets rules and regulations for breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal. This legislation “prohibits confinement in an enclosure that impacts a breeding pig and calf’s ability to freely move in certain ways and properly groom itself and that limits visual contact with other calves.”

Democratic Senator Vin Gopal, one of the sponsors of the bill, said the confinement of mother pigs and of calves raised for veal "constitutes a severe form of animal abuse, and should not be allowed."

“While we are assured the majority of our hog farmers do not use this method of confinement, New Jersey needs to stand with other states and other countries in making sure this uncivilized practice is banned once and for all," said Gopal, who represents the 11th District.

Standardizing rules for election reporting

Bill A5176, which Murphy signed July 27, requires county Boards of Election to periodically report vote tallies on election night, including the number and types of ballots received, and the number and types counted “to the extent possible.”

Murphy and bill supporters said this will make election results more transparent in the state.

“At a time when incorrect information is undermining faith in our democracy, this legislation underscores the importance of getting timely and uniformly reported election information directly from state and county election officials," said New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way. "This new law helps us improve voter trust and understanding that New Jersey elections are free, fair, and secure.”

Local officials will have to report results to the state by 11:59 p.m. on the day of each primary and general election, and update it by 9 p.m. on each day after until results are certified, the legislation states.

“This information is particularly useful in close races where late-counted mail-in or provisional ballots could determine the outcome of an election,” said officials.