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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would increase penalties on animal cruelty, particularly in commission of another crime, was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0.

“The bond between a pet and an owner can be very strong, and we go to great lengths to keep our pets safe and comfortable,” said Senator Karcher. “Anyone with a sense of compassion can see that when it comes to cruelty laws, slap-on-the-wrist penalties will not cover it. We need to send a message that the mistreatment and abuse of animals will not be tolerated in New Jersey, and that the penalties will be strong enough to make criminals think twice before they participate in animal cruelty.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which increase penalties of animal cruelty, specifically in commission of another crime, was unanimously approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee today.

“When you talk to a pet owner, their pet is considered to be part of the family, and there’s a reason for that,” said Senator Karcher. “So many New Jerseyans know the companionship and love a pet can bring into their lives, and it’s not so unrealistic to have empathy for animals suffering from abuse at the hands of mankind. The State should ensure that acts of animal cruelty are properly punished under the law.”