Senator Phil Boyle Combats Cruelty To Animals

Sponsors Legislation To Modernize Laws and Create Animal Cruelty Database

Albany, NY – Senator Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore) and his Toy Fox Terrier “Livvy” joined  together for Animal Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on June 4, 2013.

“I am pleased to be here today to join my colleagues and the public in supporting Senate initiatives that strengthen the laws that protect our pets,” Senator Boyle said.  “I will continue my efforts to enact laws that not only will combat cruelty to animals but will also make it easier for police, prosecutors and judges to enforce cruelty to animal laws.” 

Senator Boyle spoke at Animal Advocacy Day about two legislative measures that he sponsors, both dealing with the prevention of cruelty to animals.

The Consolidated Animal Crimes Bill (S.1776) modernizes New York’s anti-cruelty laws and is enthusiastically supported by Senator Boyle and the majority of New York’s SPCA's animal rescue organizations and humane associations. 

The Consolidated Animal Crimes Bill improves enforcement by placing animal crimes under the criminal law which is much more familiar to enforcement officials.  Currently, serious animals crimes are often not pursued and instead handed down to investigators at local SPCAs because police organizations are unfamiliar with the Agriculture and Markets Law, where these statutes are currently placed.  Better understanding of animal crimes by judges, prosecutors and police officers will create safer communities.  Additionally, there is a link between violent crime and animal abuse.  Many studies show that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty.  A strong connection has been documented between animal abuse and domestic violence.  Placing New York’s anti-cruelty statutes under the Penal Law will legitimize the seriousness of animal abuse offences and empower our police and court systems by giving them the tools needed to thoroughly enforce and prevent serious crime.

Senator Boyle also sponsors legislation (S.2987) which establishes the creation of an Animal Cruelty and Animal Fighting Database and makes that database available to various law enforcement and humanitarian agencies.  This legislation would help to combat cruelty to animals and stop repeat offenders by limiting the opportunity for animal abusers to obtain more animals. 

Also, research has consistently shown that those who repeatedly torture or kill animals often perform other forms of violence such as child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse and even serial killing. This legislation provides a valuable resource for law enforcement officials who seek to establish a link between animal cruelty and related crimes.

Photo Caption:  Senator Phil Boyle speaking at Animal Advocacy Day with Livvy and Steve Caporizzo, an Albany TV personality and avid animal rights activist.