N.J. Stat. § 4:22-54: Destruction of animals found in disabled condition.

When an animal or creature is found on the highway or elsewhere, whether abandoned or not, in a maimed, sick, infirm, or disabled condition, a court of competent jurisdiction, sheriff of the county, chief humane law enforcement officer, humane law enforcement officer of a county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or municipal humane law enforcement officer may appoint a suitable person to examine and destroy such animal or creature if unfit for further use.

amended 1953, c.5, s.85; 2017, c.331, s.21.