A proposed bill in New Jersey would allow judges to appoint animal cruelty victims their own attorneys in court.
Currently, most states in the United States have laws against cruelty to animals (for animals that are considered “pets”), but such animals have very little representation in the courtroom. judgment. While there may be an abuser in the case, the focus is on proving the abuser guilty and getting a sentence, rather than focusing on the animal’s welfare.
The situation can result in abused animals sitting in shelters for months or years while the cruelty case drags on.
To address this issue, New Jersey is considering a Courtroom Animal Advocacy Program (CAAP) under Congress Bill 4533 and Senate Bill 2868.
Currently, only two other states have such a program: Connecticut and Maine. CAAP New Jersey is modeled after Connecticut General Statute 54-86n and will allow volunteer attorneys or third-year law students to act as a liaison between the court and the abused animal.
Follow New York PostBrian Hackett, legislative director of Legitimate Animal Protection Fund, says the legal advocate will update the court on the animals’ condition, such as their health and living conditions. It will prevent animals from spending months or years suffering in a shelter.
The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate earlier this year. It is currently awaiting a parliamentary vote.
If you would like to see a similar law in your state, you can contact your state legislative representative and express your concerns with the current system.
It is hoped that seeing a third state regulate a CAAP will encourage other states to follow suit.
