FAQ Category: Animal Cruelty & Abuse

As of February 1, 2019, animal cruelty investigations in New Jersey are conducted by Humane Law Enforcement Officers (HLEOs), that report to county prosecutors. The New Jersey Department of Health does not have the authority to investigate animal cruelty.

You face up to six months in jail if you are convicted for a disorderly persons offense for cruelty to animals. The period of imprisonment can reach 18 months for a fourth degree crime of this nature. In the most serious animal cruelty cases, you face up to 5 years...

Yes. Violations of New Jersey’s animal abuse and animal cruelty law can result in an indictable crime and penalties that include the possibility of prison. Even a disorderly persons offense for animal cruelty will result in a criminal record and the possibility of jail.