Bergen County S.P.C.A.

New Jersey State Animal Cruelty Statutes (Title IV)

4:22-17 Cruelty in General
a) Overwork, torture, torment, deprive of necessary sustenance, unnecessarily or cruelly beat or other abuse, or needlessly mutilate or kill a living animal or creature.

b) Cause or procure such acts to be done.

c) Inflict unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal or creature of which he has charge either as owner or otherwise, or fail to provide it with proper food, drink, shelter or protection from the weather.

4:22-18 Carrying an Animal in a Cruel Manner
To carry or cause to be carried, a living creature in or upon a vehicle or otherwise, in a cruel or inhumane manner.

4:22-20a Abandoning Disabled Animal to Die in a Public Place

4:22-20b Abandoning a Domestic Animal (Max $1000 Fine)

The cruelty statutes above are punishable with a fine in the range of $250 and $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail plus 30 days community service.

4:22-24 Fighting or Baiting Animals (Third Degree Crime)
a) Keep or manage or collect money to stage fights
b) Be present, witness, pay admission to or encourage.
c) Permit or suffer a place to be used for fighting
d) For amusement, gain or cause, to allow or permit fighting or baiting an animal or living creature.
e) Own, possess, keep, train, promote, purchase, or sell a living creature for the purpose of fighting.
f) Gamble on the outcome of a fight.

These are a few of the most commonly used animal cruelty laws. However, The Bergen County S.P.C.A. enforces all state cruelty laws, as well as town ordinances dealing with animal cruelty.