NY Senate Votes For Bill To Protect Animals; Assembly To Vote Next - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To the New York  Senate  for passing a series of anti-animal cruelty bills.

According to a recent press release, the New York Senate has voted in a bipartisan effort to support  package of legislation designed to protect animals. Below is a list of legislative actions passed by the New York Senate on June 6:

• “Bill S299, sponsored by Senator Terrence Murphy , to increase the penalty for multiple convictions of torturing, killing or failing to provide sustenance to an animal to a felony, if convicted within five years from the date of a prior conviction.”
• “Bill S302, also sponsored by Senator Murphy, provides for more frequent inspections of pet dealers which have been charged with or convicted of violations relating to cats and dogs. It requires the Department of Agriculture and Markets, upon the filing of a charge against a pet dealer, to immediately inspect the premises and continue to inspect the premises every two weeks thereafter until a final disposition of the charges.”
• “Bill S611, sponsored by Senator Phil Boyle, places animal fighting on a list of crimes eligible to seek a warrant to conduct electronic eavesdropping or video surveillance.”
• “Bill S1712, sponsored by Senator James Tedisco, increases certain penalties for animal fighting and aggravated cruelty to animals.”

Crimes that harm animals seldom occur in isolation. These offenses usually happen concurrently with domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, drug crimes, and violent crimes. Before passing into laws, these bills must be approved by the assembly and signed into law by Governor Cuomo.

Take action. New York residents, contact your assembly members and urge them to support legislation that protects companion animals from harm.