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New Jersey Bill Would Authorize Cross Reporting of Animal Abuse by Child Abuse Investigators

New Jersey bill A310 would authorize Division of Children Protection and Permanency employees who investigate child abuse and neglect to report suspected animal cruelty to humane law enforcement officers and other authorized parties. The bill is a carryover from the previous legislative session. The bill was referred to the Assembly Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture.

New Jersey Bill Would Establish Grant Program for Domestic Violence Shelters to House Companion Animals with Owners

New Jersey Assembly Bill 5907 would establish a $1 million grant program to provide awards of up to $50,000 per domestic violence shelter “to allow the pets of victims of domestic violence to reside concurrently with their owners within [the] shelters” and to help subsidize the costs of food, supplies, and veterinary care for “domesticated animals.” The bill was referred to the Assembly Human Services Committee but did not advance out of committee before the expiration of the legislative session.

New York Bill Would Require Investigation of Accused Animal Abusers for Potential Associated Domestic Violence

New York S.7812 would require the Office of Children and Family Services (“Office”) to “log and investigate” individuals who have been accused of crimes against animals for potential associated domestic or family violence and would direct coordination and information sharing between the Office and law enforcement. If enacted, the legislation would be known as “Bella’s Law.” The bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee.

Delaware Law Enacted to Require and Protect Reporting of Suspected Animal Cruelty

Governor John Carney signed Senate Bill 71, which provides civil and criminal immunity to people who, in good faith, report suspected animal cruelty. Senate Bill 71 imposes an additional affirmative obligation on law-enforcement agencies, the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, and the Department of Justice to report suspected animal cruelty to the Office of Animal Welfare if it is discovered in the course of investigating child welfare cases.