A 697 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Prohibits persons violating animal cruelty law from owning, keeping, or harboring animals; requires DHSS establish and maintain website list of such persons.

This bill prohibits individuals convicted of or found liable for animal cruelty violations from owning, keeping, or harboring animals in New Jersey. It requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to create and maintain a public website list of these individuals, updated at least every 30 days. Municipal clerks and animal facilities (like shelters and pet shops) must check this list before issuing pet licenses or registrations. Authorities can seize animals from violators who continue to own them, and courts must notify the department of convictions within 30 days.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee
lower
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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