Criminalizes impounding cat or dog in shelter, pound, or kennel without consent of other party.

This New Jersey bill (S 1657) makes it illegal to place a cat or dog in a shelter, pound, or kennel without the other party's consent during divorce, separation, or civil union dissolution proceedings. It criminalizes surrendering or releasing a pet to such facilities without the partner's agreement, whether before or after a court decision. Violating this law is classified as a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill directly affects individuals involved in family law cases where pets are contested.