New Jersey legal term
Domestic companion animal in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Domestic companion animal” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Domestic companion animal” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Domestic companion animal" means any animal commonly referred to as a pet or one that has been bought, bred, raised, or otherwise acquired, in accordance with local ordinances and State and federal law for the primary purpose of providing companionship to the owner, rather than for business or agricultural purposes. v. (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.