TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-22) and Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-16) that elevates pet trafficking to a third-degree crime, punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and a term of imprisonment of three to five years, or both.

"Anyone who is cruel enough to traffic an innocent animal ...