Senator Monica R. Martinez Introduces Legislation That Will Stiffen Penalties For Those Who Commit Crimes Against Animals

(Albany, NY) On May 15, 2019, Senator Monica R. Martinez (D-Brentwood)  introduced Senate Bill S5807, which will allow judges to exercise their discretion when it comes to ordering consecutive or concurrent sentences when an individual is convicted of multiple counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

In the wake of a recent case in Nassau County where an individual was charged with committing three crimes against three separate animals, Senator Martinez quickly acted to address the loophole in the current law. Each charge should carry a two-year sentence, however, unlike other felony crimes, the maximum sentence is two years total, regardless of how many are crimes committed.

Current law does not permit any flexibility when an individual is charged with multiple counts of aggravated cruelty against multiple animals. By removing the language that requires aggravated cruelty to be treated as a definite sentence, this will allow animals to receive the justice they deserve and the perpetrators of cruelty to animals to be held accountable.

“I will continue to fight for the protections and rights of those who cannot advocate for themselves. In order to deter future acts of violence, it is critical that we advance this legislation and commit to enacting policies that support those who do not have a voice. Crimes against animals should be taken serious as studies have shown, there is a direct link in that those who commit crimes against animals, commit other types of crime.” Said Senator Martinez.

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