Category Archives: animal cruelty
The House of Representatives Passes Legislation Making Animal Cruelty a Federal Crime
In late October, the House of Representatives passed legislation– the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (“PACT” Act)–making animal cruelty a federal crime. Ultimately passed by the Senate soon after, the bill creates federal penalties for a number of activities involving animals that currently depend upon state law, including burning, crushing, drowning, impaling, suffocating,… Read More »
Legislation Introduced In New Jersey That Will Affect Criminal Prosecutions
Below, we discuss various proposals and new laws in New Jersey and New York that could significantly affect the prosecution of certain crimes: Preparations for Legalizing Recreational Use of Marijuana in New Jersey According to New Jersey Attorney General Grewal, New Jersey is close to legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, perhaps as early… Read More »
Federal Legislation Expanding Domestic Violence Criminal Provisions Signed Into Law
In late December, legislation adjusting and expanding what is considered to be “stalking” under the federal criminal code was signed into law in an effort to better protect domestic violence victims and their pets. Specifically, the “PAWS Act” not only expands what is covered under the law and protection orders, but it also establishes… Read More »
New Jersey Bans Wild/Exotic Animal Circus Acts
A measure signed into law by Governor Murphy on December 14—known as “Nosey’s law—makes it illegal in New Jersey to use certain exotic animals such as elephants and tigers in events such as carnivals, circuses, petting zoos, and similar setups. The bill was reportedly passed for the sake of public safety, as well as… Read More »
New Jersey Man Charged With 30 Animal Cruelty Offenses Demonstrates Seriousness Of Crimes
In July, a New Jersey man found living with more than 40 dogs in unsanitary, inhumane conditions was charged with more than 30 criminal offenses, including third-degree animal cruelty, fourth-degree animal abuse, and failure to provide necessary care to an animal. Reportedly, the dogs were locked inside the home for an unknown amount of… Read More »
Court Finds Mindset & Intention Irrelevant In Wildlife Crimes
On June 21, a federal court found the Justice Department’s longstanding policy of deciding under what circumstances it would prosecute individuals who killed animals protected under the Endangered Species Act to be outside the range of prosecutorial authority. At issue in the case was a policy known as the “McKittrick Policy,” originally stemming from… Read More »
It Could Become a Crime to Declaw Cats in New Jersey
On January 23rd, New Jersey State lawmakers will vote on whether to send Governor Christie a bill that would make it illegal for veterinarians to declaw cats in the state; a procedure known as onychectomy. Specifically, although there would be exceptions for medical purposes, any veterinarians (or anyone else) found engaging in the practice,… Read More »
Animal Cruelty Laws: Protection for Pets
Pets are something very near and dear to most Americans. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, many families in the United States own pets, with 37-47% of all homes going to dogs, and 30-37% of them going to cats. It is clear that companion animals are a large… Read More »
