Senator Venditto takes part in Animal Advocacy Day

New York State Senator Michael Venditto (R, C, I- Massapequa), recently joined with his colleagues in the State Legislature for their annual Animal Advocacy Day – an event that brings together lawmakers, law enforcement, and hundreds of pet owners and advocates to raise awareness of important animal issues.

"Like many New Yorkers, I consider pets an extension of my family. Their health and safety, and the wellness of animals across New York, are a high priority for me. I am pleased that the New York State Senate also passed legislation to further protect animals from harm and cruelty," said Senator Venditto.

Among those bills passed: increases the potential jail time from 2 years to 4 when acts of cruelty against animals are committed in front of children; increases the maximum fine for abandonment of animals from $1,000 to $2,000; makes stealing a pet a crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony; and increases the penalties for leaving a companion animal in a vehicle during times of extreme hot or cold temperatures, while also permitting police officers to remove animals from vehicles when they face serious physical injury or death.