Senate Passes Animal Protection Bills

Measures to Protect Pets, Endangered Species Mark Animal Advocacy Day

The New York State Senate today marked the 4th annual Animal Advocacy Day at the Capitol by passing bills to protect animals from harm and cruelty.  Animal Advocacy Day brings together lawmakers, law enforcement and hundreds of pet owners and advocates to raise awareness of the need to protect pets and people from violence. 

“The 4th Annual Animal Advocacy Day was a wonderful event, for a wonderful cause, that continues to grow every year,” said Senator Lanza. “Most people can agree that the level of respect and kindness shown for animals, creatures who cannot speak for themselves, or protect themselves, is a fine predictor of how a person will treat their peers. Violent and cruel behavior towards animals, cannot and should not be tolerated.”

On Animal Advocacy Day, the Senate passed bills that would: prohibit people convicted under the historic animal cruelty  measure --“Buster’s Law” -- from ever owning a companion animal again, and require them to undergo a psychiatric evaluation (S2566); and expand the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals to include harm to a companion animal during the commission of a felony (S2560A).

According to the ASPCA, 62 percent of American households have a pet. Studies have shown companion animals can provide a variety of positive health benefits, including providing comfort and assistance to seniors and people with disabilities. They help police, fire departments, and search and rescue efforts to keep citizens safe. It’s been widely reported that a military canine went in with U.S. Navy Seal Team 6 when they took down the world’s most notorious terrorist, Osama Bin Laden. 

The bills were sent to the Assembly.

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