4:23-14.6 Power, authority of designated officer.

30. a. Any law enforcement officer designated pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4), or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals designated pursuant to section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5) shall have the power and authority within the jurisdiction in which the officer is designated, or otherwise authorized to act, to:

(1) enforce all animal welfare and animal cruelty laws of the State;

(2) investigate and sign complaints concerning any violation of an animal welfare or animal cruelty law of the State; and

(3) act as an officer for the detection, apprehension, and arrest of offenders against the animal welfare and animal cruelty laws of the State and ordinances of any municipality.

b. Every law enforcement officer designated pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4), or humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals designated pursuant to section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5), shall:

(1) abide by the provisions of chapter 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes; and

(2) satisfactorily complete the training course developed pursuant to subsection a. of section 11 of P.L.2005, c.372 (C.4:22-11.11), subject to the provisions of subsection c. of section 11 of P.L.2005, c.372 (C.4:22-11.11) as applicable, as soon as practicable, but no later than one year after the date of the officer's designation.

c. Upon request for assistance by a municipality, county, or other entity that did not designate the humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals pursuant to section 29 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.5), or other law enforcement officer pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 28 of P.L.2017, c.331 (C.4:22-14.4), the humane law enforcement officer or other law enforcement officer may, within the jurisdiction of the municipality, county, or other entity making the request, exercise the powers and authority granted pursuant to this section.

L.2017, c.331, s.30.