Criminal Lawyers in New Jersey

N.J.S. 4:22-16f treats specifically rats and mice. That section says:

Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit or interfere with the killing or disposing by a reasonable or commercially acceptable method or means, of a Norway or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), black rat (Rattus ratus), or house mouse (Mus musculus) by any person, or with the permission or at the direction of that person, while the animal is on the property either owned or leased by, or otherwise under the control of that person, provided that the animal is not a pet.

Now let's see if we can translate that into English.

Here are the persons who are covered by the statute:

• Persons who own the property where the mouse or rat is found;
   
• Persons who lease the property where the mouse or rat is found;
   
• Persons who have the permission of the owner of the property where the mouse or rat is found;
   
• Persons who have the permission of the lessee of the property where the mouse or rat is found.
   

The particular species covered by these guidelines are:

• A Norway or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus);
   
• A black rat (Rattus ratus);
   
• A house mouse (Mus musculus)

Anything else, y'er on y'er own.

Additional requirements exist even when the mouse or rat is killed by a person covered, as just described:

• The killing must be in a manner that is reasonable (whatever that means),
   
• OR the killing must be by means that are commercially acceptable;
   
• AND the rat or mouse must not be a pet.