[Added 9-10-2008 by Ord.
No. 08-05]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Includes dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, other household animals
commonly or uncommonly found.
Having in possession any of the implements commonly knows
as "gaffs" or "slashers," or any other sharp implement designed to
be attached in place of the natural spur of a gamecock or other fighting
bird; having in possession any instruments or appliances commonly
used for dog fighting. The deliberate breeding of fighting animals.
General cruelty or neglect, overwork, physical or mental
torture or torment, sexual abuse, poisoning. Deprivation of necessary
sustenance, such as but not limited to food, drink, veterinary care
or shelter. It includes abandonment, animal(s) left in specified places
without proper care or human attention. "General neglect" also means
the negligent failure of a person having the care of custody of animal(s)
to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care or supervision where
no physical injury to the animal(s) has occurred.
The negligent treatment or maltreatment of animal(s) by a
person responsible for the animal's welfare under circumstances indicating
harm or threatened harm to the animal's health or welfare. The term
includes both acts and omissions of the part of the responsible person.
All persons claiming such or persons in the family or household
responsible for the animal's health, safety and general welfare. It
includes all persons that cause or procure animal neglect or abuse
as defined in Title 4 of the laws of the State of New Jersey, including
those mentioned in this article.
The negligent failure of a person having the care or custody
of animal(s) from severe malnutrition or medically diagnosed nonorganic
failure to thrive. Also, in situations of neglect where any person
having the care or custody of animal(s) willfully causes or permits
other persons to cause damage to the health and safety to animal(s),
including failure to provide adequate food, shelter or medical care.
Ownership or possession of fighting gamecocks, other birds, or dogs.
A situation where any person willfully inflicts upon any
animal any cruel or inhumane punishment, injury or sexual abuse. It
also means injury that is inflicted by other than accidental means
on animal(s) by another person.
A situation where any person willfully causes or permits
any animals to suffer, or inflicts thereon unjustifiable physical
pain or mental suffering, or cause or permits animal(s) to be placed
in situations endangering animal(s).
A.Â
N.J.S.A. 4:22-17, Cruelty in general:
(1)Â
Overwork, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily
or cruelly beat or other abuse, or needlessly mutilate or kill a living
animal or creature.
(2)Â
Cause or procure such acts to be done.
(3)Â
Inflict unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal or creature of which
he has charge either as owner or otherwise, or fail to provide it
with proper food, drink, shelter or protection from the weather.
B.Â
N.J.S.A. 4:22-18, Carrying an animal in a cruel manner: to carry,
or cause to be carried, a living creature in or upon a vehicle or
otherwise, in a cruel or inhumane manner.
C.Â
N.J.S.A. 4:22-20a, Abandoning disabled animal to die in a public
place.
D.Â
N.J.S.A. 4:22-20b, Abandoning a domestic animal (maximum fine of
$1,000).
|
The cruelty statutes above are punishable with a fine in the
range of $250 and $1,000 and/or six months in jail plus 30 days' community
service.
|
E.Â
N.J.S.A. 4:22-24, Fighting or baiting animals (third degree crime):
(1)Â
Keep or manage or collect money to stage fights.
(2)Â
Be present, witness, pay admission to or encourage.
(3)Â
Permit or suffer a place to be used for fighting.
(4)Â
For amusement, gain or cause, to allow or permit fighting or baiting
an animal or living creature.
(5)Â
Own, possess, keep, train, promote, purchase, or sell a living creature
for the purpose of fighting.
(6)Â
Gamble on the outcome of a fight.
