Senator Phillips Announces Measure Preventing Animal Abusers From Working In Animal Care Passes Senate

Senator Elaine Phillips announced today that the New York State Senate has passed legislation, which she supported, that would prevent animal abusers from working in positions that place them in direct control of animal care. 

“With the emotional, physical and companionable support animals provide us, it is essential that we continue to provide them with abuse-free environments,” Senator Phillips said. “This measure will ensure no one with a prior animal-cruelty conviction will work in a shelter, pound, humane society or other jobs with direct animal care."

The bill, S.2937, promotes the protection and humane treatment of animals in animal shelters.

The bill prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty from being a dog or animal control officer, or working at an animal shelter, pound, humane society, animal protective association, or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Currently, there is nothing preventing animal abusers from remaining in these positions, or being hired in the future. Furthermore, the bolstering of animals protections is needed because research shows a connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence, mental health, and child abuse.

Additionally, the Senate also passed a bill, S.1432, to help protect the emotional development of children by criminalizing the act of knowingly causing a minor to attend a place where the exhibition of animal fighting is being conducted.

The bills will be sent to the Assembly.