Rutgers Law

New Jersey Statutes, Title: 4, AGRICULTURE AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS

    Chapter 22:

      Section: 4:22-16.2: Definitions; rules, regulations.

          1. a. As used in this section:

"Breeding pig" means any female pig of the porcine species kept for the purpose of commercial breeding, who is six months or older or pregnant.

"Calf raised for veal" means any calf of the bovine species kept for the purpose of producing the food product described as veal.

"Enclosure" means a structure used to confine one or more breeding pigs or calves raised for veal.

"Fully extending the animal's limbs" means fully extending all limbs without touching the side of an enclosure or another animal.

"Turning around freely" means turning in a complete circle without any impediment, including a tether, and without touching the side of an enclosure or another animal.

b. In addition to the standards adopted pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.1995, c.311 (C.4:22-16.1), and notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the State Board of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture, shall, within 180 days after the date of enactment of this act, develop and adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations, which:

(1) prohibit the confinement in an enclosure of any breeding pig in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending the animal's limbs, or turning around freely;

(2) prohibit the confinement in an enclosure of any calf raised for veal in a manner that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending the animal's limbs, or turning around freely;

(3) require that calves raised for veal are confined in a manner such that each calf can groom itself naturally and have visual contact with other calves; and

(4) establish penalties for violations of the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (3) of this subsection.

c. The rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection b. of this section may include exceptions to confinement standards for the following activities only:

(1) medical research;

(2) examination, testing, individual treatment, or operation for veterinary purposes, but only if performed by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, either in person or via a telemedicine appointment;

(3) transportation;

(4) State or county fair exhibitions, 4-H programs, or similar temporary exhibitions;

(5) humane slaughter in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and

(6) confinement of a breeding pig during the 14-day period prior to the expected date of the breeding pig giving birth or on any day when the breeding pig is nursing piglets.

L.2023, c.130.

This section added to the Rutgers Database: 2023-11-27 20:53:02.

Older versions of 4:22-16.2 (if available):

Court decisions that cite this statute: CLICK HERE.