Authorizes placement of involved animal with animal welfare agency or similar entity pending adjudication of alleged animal cruelty violation when not adjudicated in seven days.

This bill requires courts in New Jersey to transfer animals confiscated for suspected cruelty to an animal welfare group, rescue organization, or foster shelter on the seventh day after confiscation, if the owner hasn’t reclaimed them. The caretaker must properly house and care for the animal until the court resolves the cruelty case, and shelters cannot offer the animal for adoption or euthanize it for seven days after the case ends. Owners found guilty of cruelty or liable for civil penalties must reimburse the caretaker for all care expenses incurred during the holding period. The bill directly affects animals in custody, courts handling cruelty cases, and animal welfare organizations providing temporary care.