Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Holzapfel (R-Ocean) and Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) to protect pets against cruel treatment by their owners was passed by the New Jersey Senate.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jim Holzapfel and Sen. Bob Singer to protect pets from inhumane treatment was passed by the New Jersey Senate. (©iStock.com)

“You would hope that pet owners would treat their animals with decency and provide them with a safe and healthy home environment, but sadly, that isn’t always the case,” Senator Holzapfel said. “We must protect these animals and show that this kind of treatment will not be tolerated.”

We must protect these animals and show that this kind of treatment will not be tolerated. https://t.co/kJhje4Kfqj

— Sen. Jim Holzapfel (@jimholzapfel) March 13, 2017

The bill, S-1640, outlines several potentially cruel practices related to keeping a pet at a home, including exposure to adverse weather, improper tethering and inadequate shelter. It also provides penalties for violations and permits humane societies and municipalities to take custody of an animal that’s been subject to cruel treatment after providing due warning to its owner.

According to the legislation, it would be unlawful to expose any pet or service animal to adverse weather conditions, such as temperatures colder than 33 degrees or hotter than 89 degrees for more than 30 minutes unless the animal has continuous access to proper shelter. It makes it unlawful to cruelly restrain a dog.

In addition, the bill provides that when state or local officials issue an order of evacuation due to weather or other emergency conditions, the owner must make every attempt to evacuate their pets and not leave their animals indoors or outdoors while unattended or tethered.

“Pet ownership can provide a lifetime of love and companionship, but it comes with a lot responsibility,” Senator Singer said. “If someone can’t follow these simple rules and treat their pets humanely on their own, we need strong rules to enforce them and the ability rescue animals from cruelty.”