Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In New Jersey, animal cruelty laws are comprehensive and address various forms of mistreatment against animals. Under New Jersey statutes, specifically Title 4 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, animal cruelty can include acts of neglect, such as failing to provide necessary care, food, water, or shelter, as well as acts of abuse, such as torture, maiming, mutilation, or killing of an animal. New Jersey law also prohibits abandoning animals and requires proper care for sick or injured animals. Penalties for animal cruelty in New Jersey can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. The state also has provisions for the seizure of animals in cases of cruelty and establishes a process for their care and potential adoption. Additionally, New Jersey has a specific statute that addresses the humane treatment of domestic companion animals and sets forth additional requirements and penalties to protect these animals from cruelty and abuse.