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.”