The resolution designates October 3 of each year as Companion Animal Cruelty Awareness Day in New Jersey, aiming to raise public awareness about the issue of animal cruelty and promote education on its prevention. The initiative is in response to alarming statistics from the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which reported over 11,500 incidents of animal cruelty in 2020. The resolution highlights the various forms of animal cruelty, including neglect and abuse, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing this issue not only as a matter of animal welfare but also as a public safety concern, given the links between animal abuse and interpersonal violence.

To support this initiative, the resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing Companion Animal Cruelty Awareness Day and encourages relevant organizations, citizens, and state agencies to engage in activities that promote awareness and education on the topic. By establishing this day, New Jersey aims to foster community involvement in protecting companion animals and reaffirm the state's commitment to humane treatment and prevention of animal cruelty.