NJ A3641

Authorizes law enforcement officers to seize animals involved in cruelty violations with a warrant based on reasonable cause, or without a warrant if immediate intervention is needed to protect the animal's life or provide necessary medical attention.

Requires seized animals to be placed in licensed shelters, pounds, or kennels, where they may only be euthanized if a veterinarian certifies in writing that the animal is in intractable extreme pain with no reasonable hope of recovery.

Allows animal care facilities to file a complaint within 20 days of seizure seeking reasonable costs of care from the animal's owner, with court hearings required within 30 days; owners must make payments every 30 days or forfeit ownership.

Permits courts to order permanent forfeiture of animals to care facilities upon conviction or civil liability finding for animal cruelty, and to prohibit offenders from owning or harboring animals for a court-determined period.

Requires the Attorney General to prepare and distribute a plain language summary of the bill's provisions to all animal care facilities in the state.