ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE AND WASTE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, No. 785

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: NOVEMBER 7, 1996

      The Assembly Agriculture and Waste Management Committee favorably reports an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 785.

      The Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 785 would amend existing laws pertaining to cruelty to animals to expand protection provided horses. Current law protects horses as "work" animals and fails to take into account their widespread use in recreation, shows, exhibitions, and as domestic pets. This substitute bill would also extend the Department of Agriculture's authority to regulate the sale of livestock to include horses, which are not currently covered by statute. At present, only the sale of sheep, swine and cattle is regulated by the department. These changes would provide horses the same protections afforded other animals.