This law will prevent anyone convicted of criminal animal cruelty from having dogs or cats as companion animals and will provide conviction information to any organization looking to hire people.
Photo Credit: JodieLouise/Pexels
In a step in the right direction for animal welfare, the New Jersey
Senate officially passed a new bill into law, preventing anyone convicted of
criminal animal cruelty from having dogs or cats as companion animals.
Bill S-1258, known as ‘Moose’s Law,’ also makes it illegal for convicted
animal abusers to work with or volunteer for any organization that deals
with animals. Institutions are now allowed to verify if a person has had an
animal cruelty conviction by asking the Commissioner of Health whether or
not they’re on the list of citizens ineligible to be certified as animal
control officers.
Sponsored by Sen. Kip Bateman and Sen. Troy Singleton, the legislation is
named after a New Jersey dog who was allegedly stolen from his home by an
amateur dog trainer and left unattended in a hot car to die.
“The monsters who commit atrocious animal abuses should not be allowed
anywhere near pets, let alone be permitted to work with or own them,”
Bateman said. “While animal abuse is already illegal in New Jersey, this
measure expands and strengthens animal cruelty consequences and helps to
ensure our furry friends are not unknowingly placed in the wrong hands.
Protecting vulnerable pets from cruelty and mistreatment will save the lives
of animal companions across the state.”
“Alerting employers or pet shelters of high-risk potential employees will
prevent offenders from repeating their malicious acts,” Bateman added.
“Enacting ‘Moose’s Law’ is another important step in our mission to help
eradicate animal abuse once and for all.”
Lady Freethinker applauds New Jersey’s efforts to make the world a more safe
and compassionate place for dogs and cats.
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