On June 25, both houses passed and sent to the Governor A-4225/S-2689, which would change the effective date of P.L. 2017 c.331 regarding the animal cruelty statutes.
On January 16 of this year, former Governor Christie signed into law a bill that enacted major reforms, designed to improve enforcement of the State’s animal welfare and animal cruelty statutes. In response to reports of improprieties, the law eliminates the enforcement authority of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Instead, the law implements a joint municipal-county system. This bill delays the effective date of portions of that law from August 1, 2018 to February 1, 2019.
If you recall we previously provided you with a clarification of the law in a May 14 communication. The Governor now has 45 days from June 25 to act on the bill. In the event that he signs the bill into law, the League will provide you with a summary of the new provisions.
For a summary of the bill, review the statement of the Assembly budget committee.
Contact: Michael F. Cerra, Assistant Executive Director, mcerra@njslom.org, 609-695-3481, Ext. 120