NEW JERSEY – In New Jersey, it is illegal to leave pets exposed to severe weather conditions, including extreme cold, heat, rain, or snow, for more than thirty minutes without proper shelter. This law applies to dogs, pets, and service animals when their owners or caretakers are not present with them under the same conditions.
Violators of this law face potential penalties, including fines, imprisonment, community service, and restitution payments. Additionally, authorities may seize the animal in question. The law specifies the need for appropriate shelter for animals left outside for longer than thirty minutes in harsh weather.
Adequate shelter, as defined by this regulation, must be well-constructed, in good repair, and provide sufficient ventilation, water, light, and space for the animal. For cold weather conditions, the shelter should be enclosed with a solid roof, walls, a non-ground floor, insulation, dry bedding, and a windbreak at the entrance to keep the animal dry and maintain its normal body temperature. In cases of excessive heat, the shelter must offer adequate shade or a cooling area, either naturally or artificially, to help the animal maintain a normal body temperature.
This legislation’s goal is to protect animals from the dangers of extreme weather and emphasizes the responsibility of pet owners and caretakers in ensuring their animals’ well-being and safety under all weather conditions.