Bill Text: NJ S2122 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Establishes minimum criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-05-02 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee [S2122 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2016-S2122-Introduced.html

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SENATE, No. 2122

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

217th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED MAY 2, 2016

 

 

Sponsored by:

Senator  JEFF VAN DREW

District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Establishes minimum criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

An Act concerning criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses, and supplementing chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    Any person who has been found guilty of an animal cruelty criminal offense established pursuant to any provision of chapter 19 or 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes shall be subject to a maximum fine as provided under N.J.S.2C:43-3 and a minimum fine of not less than: $5,000 when the offense is a crime of the second degree; $3,000 when the offense is a crime of the third degree; $1,000 when the offense is a crime of the fourth degree; $500 when the offense is a disorderly persons offense; or $250 when the offense is a petty disorderly persons offense.

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This bill establishes minimum criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses.  The minimum penalties would be:

     1)    $5,000 when the offense is a crime of the second degree;

     2)    $3,000 when the offense is a crime of the third degree;

     3)    $1,000 when the offense is a crime of the fourth degree;

     4)    $500 when the offense is a disorderly persons offense; or

     5)    $250 when the offense is a petty disorderly persons offense.