As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ANIMAL
Includes dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, other household animals
commonly or uncommonly found.
GENERAL CRUELTY OR NEGLECT
General cruelty or neglect, overwork, physical or mental
torture or torment, sexual abuse, poisoning. Deprivation of necessary
sustenance, such as but not limited to food, drink, veterinary care
or shelter. It includes abandonment, animal(s) left in specified places
without proper care or human attention. "General neglect" also means
the negligent failure of a person having the care of custody of animal(s)
to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care or supervision where
no physical injury to the animal(s) has occurred.
NEGLECT
The negligent treatment or maltreatment of animal(s) by a
person responsible for the animal's welfare under circumstances indicating
harm or threatened harm to the animal's health or welfare. The term
includes both acts and omissions of the part of the responsible person.
OWNER, CARETAKER OR GUARDIAN
All persons claiming such or persons in the family or household
responsible for the animal's health, safety and general welfare. It
includes all persons that cause or procure animal neglect or abuse
as defined in Title 4 of the laws of the State of New Jersey, including
those mentioned in this article.
SEVERE NEGLECT
The negligent failure of a person having the care or custody
of animal(s) from severe malnutrition or medically diagnosed nonorganic
failure to thrive. Also, in situations of neglect where any person
having the care or custody of animal(s) willfully causes or permits
other persons to cause damage to the health and safety to animal(s),
including failure to provide adequate food, shelter or medical care.
Ownership or possession of fighting gamecocks, other birds, or dogs.
UNLAWFUL PUNISHMENT OR INJURY
A situation where any person willfully inflicts upon any
animal any cruel or inhumane punishment, injury or sexual abuse. It
also means injury that is inflicted by other than accidental means
on animal(s) by another person.
WILLFUL CRUELTY OR UNJUSTIFIABLE PUNISHMENT OF ANIMALS
A situation where any person willfully causes or permits
any animals to suffer, or inflicts thereon unjustifiable physical
pain or mental suffering, or cause or permits animal(s) to be placed
in situations endangering animal(s).