A package of bills crafted by 11th Legislative District Assemblywomen has been introduced, ensuring a better quality of life for potential victims of animal abuse and pets with an aversion to loud noises.

The first, Assembly Bill 4563, would establish procedures for seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations by authorizing certain law enforcement officials to take custody of animals in cases of suspected cruelty. Additionally, it establishes various requirements concerning how the reasonable cost of care for an animal is to be paid if a pet owner or keeper is incapable of providing the necessary care.

“Defendants involved in potential animal cruelty cases should be held accountable during the process if probable cause has been established while the court considers a possible animal cruelty case,” said Eulner. “The onus of providing necessary care should not be placed on the taxpayer, as is currently the case but the abusers themselves.”

Ross Licitra, Executive Director of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says he supports the legislation 100 percent, “So often, defendants of animal cruelty cases do not consider the animal’s well-being. Without this law, animals are left at their owners’ mercy to sit for years in a shelter until the court offers a final decision.”

The second, Assembly Bill 4564, would make it unlawful for any person to use fireworks on a property, public highway, street, road, or alley directly adjacent to an animal shelter, pound, or kennel. Any person who violates its provisions is guilty of a disorderly offense.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), pets who fear loud noises are quick to escape or can become disoriented due to loud, crowded fireworks displays. As a result, July 5 is considered the busiest day for animal shelters nationwide, with frequent calls for missing animals and pets who ingest fireworks being widely reported.

The ASPCA recommends that your pet always wears an identification tag with up-to-date contact information. Additionally, if you set off fireworks at home, thoroughly clean up the area before letting your dog have access again.

“Each year, many animals sadly become lost due to the intense noise and commotion accompanying fireworks displays,” said Piperno. “Not only can these become a safety hazard to you and your neighbors, but our pets can also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from the stress induced by the sudden bright flashes and sounds.”