SENATE SENIOR CITIZENS, VETERANS' AFFAIRS AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE, No. 1213

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: JUNE 20, 1996

 

      The Senate Senior Citizens, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 1213.

      This bill would require a person who has been arrested in connection with the fighting or baiting of animals to bear the costs of shelter, care, and treatment of any other animals not used for such purposes, owned by that person that have been confiscated. Current law requires the confiscation and forfeiture of any animal engaged or used in violation of R.S.4:22-47 or subsections e., f., g., u., v., or w. of R.S.4:22-26. The costs of shelter, care, treatment, including veterinary care and treatment of those animals must be borne by the owner of the seized animal. The law also allows the confiscation of animals present at the building or place where the baiting or fighting takes place or where preparations are being made for such an exhibition. Often when a person is arrested in connection with the fighting or baiting of animals, other domestic or farm animals are confiscated as well. This bill would clarify that the costs of shelter, care, and treatment of those animals must be paid by their owner.