Patrick's Law Enacted to Increase Animal Cruelty Penalties

Patrick’s Law, legislation that increases penalties on those found guilty of mistreating animals, was signed into law last week.

The law, sponsored by Assemblywoman Nancy F. Muñoz and Sen. Tom Kean, Jr., is named for the pit bull found in Newark. Patrick was found starved and in an emaciated condition in a garbage bag and dropped down a garbage chute in March 2011. He survived and has been recovering at a veterinary care facility in Tinton Falls since.

“The cruel and deliberate mistreatment of any animal is intolerable,” said Muñoz, R-Union, Morris and Somerset. “Patrick’s misfortune is just one example of how callously some people treat animals. Animal cruelty is a senseless and deliberate act that exposes a person’s sick mentality.

Kisah Curtis, 29, of Irvington pleaded guilty in July to fourth-degree animal cruelty of Patrick, according to the Huffington Post. The charge carries up to 18 months in prison, but Curtis may not serve time as a first offender.

“The new law sends the message that severe consequences will be brought to bear on those who exhibit this type of insensitive and indifferent behavior,” Muñoz said.

The bill was unanimously approved in both houses of legislature. Under the new law, if a person overworks an animal by any direct or indirect means, they will be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and will be fined between $250 and $1,000 or imprisoned for a term of no more than six months. 

The legislation also increases criminal and civil penalties for inflicting unnecessary cruelty upon a living animal or leaving it unattended in a vehicle under inhumane conditions. If the animal dies as a result of the mistreatment, or if the person responsible for the action has a prior conviction, the person will be guilty of a crime of the third degree. This could carry a penalty of three to five years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000.