"Moose's Law" unanimously passed State Senate Last Week

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey State Senate on Thursday unanimously approved legislation that would prohibit anyone convicted of criminal animal cruelty from owning a domestic animal and from working or volunteering at businesses involving animals.

Nicknamed “Moose’s Law, after a Burlington County dog that was stolen and killed after being left in a hot car, the bill is sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton and Senate President Nick Scutari.

The bill, S-333, would prohibit a person who has been convicted of criminal animal cruelty offenses from owning a domestic companion animal and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises. Any person who violates the provisions would be guilty of a disorderly person’s offense.

“Animal cruelty is egregious and cannot be tolerated,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “When a person commits a crime against an animal, they should never be allowed to own, work or volunteer with animals ever again. We will not allow anyone who has committed such acts to re-offend and put other animals in harm’s way.”

The origin of the bill was an incident several years ago in Delran, Burlington County, in which a novice dog trainer stole a neighbor’s dog, Moose, and sold him. While training the dog for the new owners, the individual left the dog in a hot car to die.

Original Article