NJ S2599

Cats, dogs, and ferrets used in product testing or research by companies, manufacturers, or contract testing facilities in New Jersey must be assessed for adoption suitability and offered to animal rescue organizations or private individuals when testing concludes.

Expands the existing "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to include ferrets in addition to cats and dogs used by higher education institutions and research institutions for educational, research, or scientific purposes.

The Office of Veterinary Public Health must establish procedures for documenting animal assessments and dispositions, and entities conducting animal testing must register and report the type/number of animals used, testing completion dates, animal condition assessments, and final placement information.

Civil penalties for noncompliance include $10,000 for a first offense, $50,000 for a second offense, and an injunction prohibiting animal testing for a third offense.

The Department of Health must maintain a registry of animal rescue organizations and establish a database identifying which organizations accept former research animals suitable for adoption.