This bill appropriates an additional $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Community Affairs specifically for the Atlantic County Animal Shelter. The funds are designated for a one-year pilot spay-and-neuter clinic aimed at controlling the cat population in the county and enhancing public health. The clinic will provide free spay, neuter, and vaccination services to participants, addressing the issue of feral cats that proliferate due to inadequate management of spaying and neutering.

The bill emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering as effective methods to reduce pet overpopulation and euthanasia rates, citing that for every dollar spent on these services, there is a significant cost saving in future animal control and shelter expenses. The initiative is expected to alleviate the burden on local governments and nonprofit organizations by reducing the number of animals that need to be impounded or euthanized. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.