NJ S2173

Designated as "Chiara's Law," this New Jersey bill prohibits shelters, pounds, and kennels operating as shelters from euthanizing animals except when a licensed veterinarian determines the animal's health requires it, or when necessary for safety of the animal, other animals, or facility employees.

Shelters must hold impounded animals for at least seven days before offering them for adoption, relocating, or sterilizing them, with exceptions for voluntarily surrendered animals or those suspected of being rabid.

Unclaimed animals after the seven-day holding period may be placed in foster homes or transferred to other shelters or animal rescue organizations, but can no longer be euthanized simply for remaining unclaimed.

Department of Health requirements for animals suspected of being rabid supersede the euthanasia restrictions, allowing compliance with rabies quarantine and observation protocols.

Any euthanasia permitted under the limited exceptions must be performed humanely consistent with existing state law (R.S.4:22-19).