When an animal or creature is found on the highway or elsewhere, whether abandoned or not, in a maimed, sick, infirm, or disabled condition, a court of competent jurisdiction, sheriff of the county, chief humane law enforcement officer, humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or municipal humane law enforcement officer may appoint a suitable person to examine and destroy such animal or creature if unfit for further use.
N.J.S. § 4:22-54