COURT HOUSE – In 2017, New Jersey changed the way animal cruelty law was enforced by transferring humane law enforcement from the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to county prosecutors.
The change also required that each municipality appoint a humane law enforcement officer in each existing police department.
Police Chief Christopher Leusner appointed Detective Jason Sweitzer to that position in Middle Township. Township Committee confirmed that appointment June 19.
Powers that had rested with animal control officers regarding violations of the animal cruelty laws now rest with the humane law enforcement officer. He or she will refer appropriate third- and fourth-degree offenses to the County Prosecutor’s office. The municipality will handle civil and disorderly person’s violations under the cruelty laws.
Cape May – The number one reason I didn’t vote for Donald Trump was January 6th and I found it incredibly sad that so many Americans turned their back on what happened that day when voting. I respect that the…
