“Animal care agency” means a shelter, pound, kennel, or animal rescue organization, as those terms are defined in section 1 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C. 4:19-15.1), or a humane society or other organization that has temporary custody of an animal.

“Animal cruelty violation” means a civil or criminal violation of chapter 19 or 22 of Title 4 of the Revised Statutes, Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, or any other State law concerning animal cruelty.

“Enforcement agency” means any agency, department, organization, or county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or any agent, humane law enforcement officer, or representative thereof, involved in law enforcement or animal control, or the monitoring of animal welfare and animal cruelty violations.

“Reasonable costs of care” means: the costs of shelter, food, water, and bedding necessary to house an animal; the costs of necessary care to improve an animal’s psychological well-being, including, but not limited to, training and enrichments designed to provide mental and physical stimulation; and the costs of necessary veterinary care for an animal, including, but not limited to, surgical intervention, medicine, vaccinations, and euthanasia and disposal costs, as determined necessary by a licensed veterinarian. “Reasonable costs of care” does not include the costs of elective surgical procedures.

L.2023, c.129, s.2.