NJ S2599

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

The Office of Veterinary Public Health in the Department of Health must establish procedures for documenting animal assessments and dispositions, and all entities conducting animal testing must register with the office and report on animal types, numbers, testing completion dates, and placement outcomes.

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

Entities transferring animals for adoption receive immunity from civil liability provided they acted in good faith regarding the animal's suitability for adoption.

The Department of Health must maintain a mandatory registry of animal rescue organizations and establish a database identifying which organizations accept former testing animals.