A 4585 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for rescue of animal from motor vehicle under inhumane conditions.

This bill provides legal protection from civil and criminal liability for individuals who break into a vehicle to rescue an animal left in inhumane conditions. It applies to any person who reasonably believes an animal is in immediate danger due to heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or other harmful circumstances. To qualify for immunity, the rescuer must first contact appropriate rescue personnel and attempt to locate the vehicle owner unless urgent circumstances prevent it. The law also requires that rescue workers provide veterinary care and investigate potential animal cruelty violations after the animal is removed.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 10, 2026 Last action Mar 10, 2026
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Mar 10, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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