This bill requires all municipalities in New Jersey to establish a municipal animal control program that enforces state laws related to animal control and cruelty. It mandates the appointment of a municipal health officer to oversee the program, coordinate with stakeholders such as certified animal control officers and veterinarians, and report quarterly to both the municipal governing body and the State Office of Veterinary Public Health. The Department of Health (DOH) will oversee these programs and address unresolved complaints. Additionally, the bill introduces a homeless cat program for municipalities, which may utilize humane methods for managing the homeless cat population, and allocates an initial $500,000 for a grant program to assist municipalities in meeting these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the State Office of Veterinary Public Health to intervene in municipal contracts for animal control services if compliance issues arise. It allows for revisions to contract provisions related to animal impoundment and responses to uncontrolled animals, particularly in cases of funding shortages. Municipalities that permit cat colonies must ensure that care responsibilities are assigned to vetted individuals or animal rescue representatives, with specific requirements for the management of unear-tipped cats. The DOH is also granted the authority to establish rules and regulations to ensure consistent enforcement of animal control measures statewide.