Includes animal cruelty against victim's animal within definition of domestic violence and other types of abuse; establishes immunity for reporting animal cruelty; mandates reporting of animal cruelty in certain circumstances.

This New Jersey bill (A 814) expands the definition of domestic violence to include cruelty against a victim's animal, while creating mandatory reporting requirements for specific professionals. Veterinarians, Department of Children and Families staff, and care facility employees must report suspected animal cruelty to authorities when they have reasonable cause to believe it occurred. The bill also provides legal immunity from civil or criminal liability for anyone reporting in good faith, protecting reporters from lawsuits or penalties related to disclosures. This directly affects animal welfare professionals, child welfare workers, and care facility staff who may encounter animal cruelty during their duties.