ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, No. 370

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 11, 1996

      The Assembly Environment, Science and Technology Committee favorably reports an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 370.

      The Assembly Environment, Science and Technology Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 370.      This committee substitute for Assembly Bill No.370 would expand the criminal penalties for violations of certain animal cruelty laws. Currently, a violation of R.S.4:22-17 (cruelty in general), R.S.4:22-18 (carrying an animal in a cruel manner), or subsection a. of R.S.4:22-19 (impounding or confining an animal without sufficient food and water) is a disorderly persons offense, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of six months and a maximum fine of $1,000. The committee substitute would impose a mandatory minimum criminal fine of $250. The committee substitute would also require the sentencing court to impose a community service term of up to 30 days, and give the court the option to also require (1) the violator to pay restitution for the costs of food, drink, shelter, or veterinary care or treatment, or other costs, incurred by an agency, entity, or organization investigating the violation, and (2) impose any other appropriate penalties established for a disorderly persons offense under Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes (the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice). The penalties established in this committee substitute would be in addition to any civil penalties authorized by R.S.4:22-26 or any other law.

      As reported by the committee, this committee substitute is identical to the Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 661 of 1996.