AMEDORE CALLS ON ASSEMBLY TO ACT ON “KIRBY & QUIGLEY’S LAW”

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.1680), co-sponsored by Senators George Amedore, Jim Tedisco and Phil Boyle, to expand Buster’s Law and make it a felony, punishable by 2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine, to harm a companion animal during the commission of another felony.

In February 2016, the Krohn family returned to their home in Montgomery County to find their house had been robbed and the family’s beloved Goldendoodles – Kirby and Quigley – had been shot and murdered by the intruder.

“The Krohns lost Kirby and Quigley, two beloved members of their family in a heinous criminal act, and this legislation will ensure that these types of crimes are properly punished,” said Amedore. “The Senate has now passed this bill four times, and I hope our colleagues in the Assembly Majority will bring this important bill to the floor for a vote this year. In the wake of an unspeakable tragedy, this legislation would be a wonderful legacy for Kirby and Quigley.”

The bill would expand the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals under Buster's Law to include harm to animals during the commission of another felony. This enhanced penalty of two years in prison is important to ensure that perpetrators will be charged with felony animal cruelty charges when they face other felony charges, such as burglary, and would serve as a deterrent to make criminals think twice before executing an animal during the commission of a crime.

The bill was sent to the Assembly for consideration. The Senate has overwhelmingly passed this legislation, which was renamed in memory of Kirby and Quigley after last year’s tragedy, numerous times, but the State Assembly has failed to bring it to the floor for a vote.

                                                        ###