N.J. Admin. Code § 2:8-8.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 2:8-8.3 - Complaints

(a) Complaints or allegations of animal cruelty concerning domestic livestock may be made by any person including, but not limited to, CLI, officers of the SPCA, Animal Control Officers, other local or State authorities, or private individuals.

(b) The complaints shall be submitted in writing or by phone, fax or e-mail to the NJDA, the NJSPCA, county SPCAs or other State or local government authority.

(c) Complaints may be mailed to the State Veterinarian, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health, PO Box 330, Trenton, NJ 08625, faxed to the State Veterinarian at 609-777-8395, or emailed to the State Veterinarian at mailto:State.Veterinarian@ag.state.nj.us.

(d) Complaints must identify as completely as possible:

1. The date of the observed acts;

2. An identification of any unique characteristics of the domestic livestock that will enable the animal(s) in question to be distinguished from other domestic livestock;

3. The location of the domestic livestock at the time of the incident and current location if different; and

4. A specific description of the nature of the alleged acts of cruelty or inhumane treatment.

(e) Complaints shall be evaluated as soon as they are received. The authority receiving the complaint may reject it if it fails to provide sufficient information in the categories described in (d)1 though 4 above to facilitate investigation of the complaint.

(f) The NJSPCA, county SPCAs or other State or local government authority receiving a complaint shall immediately notify the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and, if the complaint is in writing, provide a copy to the NJDA at the address provided in N.J.A.C. 2:8-8.3(c).

(g) The NJSPCA, county SPCAs, or other State or local government authority shall, whenever possible, provide notice to the State Veterinarian of its intent to inspect the location of domestic livestock.

(h) The NJSPCA, county SPCAs and other State or local government authorities are strongly encouraged to consult with the State Veterinarian prior to conducting an investigation and to conduct the investigation in conjunction with the State Veterinarian. Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the NJSPCA, county SPCAs or other State or local authority to investigate or bring enforcement actions.

N.J. Admin. Code § 2:8-8.3