"Better Care Dog Act."

The Better Care Dog Act creates a statewide system for dog leashing and fencing requirements, replacing inconsistent local ordinances across New Jersey. It requires dogs to be leashed or restrained when off the owner's property (with exemptions for working/hunting dogs), and imposes fines of $100 for the first violation, $250 for the second, and $500 for third and subsequent violations. After a warning notice for an unrestrained dog attack (without injury), municipalities can require owners to install fencing for dogs that repeatedly run loose. The bill also establishes new criminal penalties for dog owners whose unrestrained dogs cause injury or death, including assault charges for causing bodily injury and more serious charges for causing serious injury or death. Municipalities must adopt consistent ordinances and establish a dedicated fund to enforce the law, with fines collected going to the local municipality.