The proposed legislation, known as Mooses Law, aims to impose strict restrictions on individuals convicted of criminal animal cruelty offenses. Under this bill, such individuals would be prohibited from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at any animal-related enterprises for a period determined by the court. Additionally, the bill mandates the forfeiture of any animals owned by the offender, transferring them to an animal shelter unless co-owned by a non-offending individual. Violations of these provisions would be classified as a disorderly persons offense. The court would also have the discretion to set the duration of these prohibitions based on the severity of the offense and the offender's history.

Furthermore, the bill amends N.J.S.2C:43-12 to establish a presumption against pretrial intervention for defendants charged with animal cruelty offenses. This change reflects a broader intent to ensure that individuals with a history of animal cruelty are not granted leniency in the judicial process. Overall, Mooses Law seeks to enhance the protection of animals and hold offenders accountable for their actions, thereby promoting a more humane treatment of animals within the state.