Prohibits cropping or altering the tail or ears of dog; establishes as animal cruelty offense.

This New Jersey bill (A365) prohibits cutting off or altering a dog’s tail or ears for cosmetic reasons, making it a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. It directly affects dog owners and veterinarians, exempting medical procedures performed by licensed vets for health reasons. Veterinarians must document such medical procedures in writing and submit them to the Department of Health; failure to do so risks disciplinary action. The law updates existing animal cruelty statutes (R.S. 4:22-26) to include this specific prohibition.