This bill requires all municipalities in New Jersey to establish a municipal animal control program that provides essential animal control services and enforces state laws regarding animal control and cruelty. Municipalities are mandated to prioritize funding for these programs and appoint a municipal health officer to oversee their implementation and compliance. The health officer will coordinate with certified animal control officers, shelters, and veterinarians, and is responsible for quarterly reporting 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 complaints that are not resolved locally.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for municipalities to create programs specifically for managing homeless cats, which may involve impoundment and care of cat colonies. The DOH will establish grant programs to assist municipalities, with an initial funding of $500,000. The bill also outlines compliance measures for contracts with private animal control services and allows the State Office of Veterinary Public Health to intervene if municipalities fail to meet contract requirements. If cat colonies are permitted, the bill mandates that care be assigned to vetted individuals or representatives from animal rescue organizations, and it sets forth specific requirements for veterinary care management, including spaying or neutering unear-tipped cats. The DOH is granted authority to create rules and regulations to ensure consistent enforcement of animal control measures statewide.