ALBANY – The State Senate has passed legislation aimed at curbing animal abuse.
Currently repeat animal abuse offenders face misdemeanor charges. Under a bill sponsored by Senator Terrence Murphy (R, Chappaqua), anyone convicted of torturing, killing or failing to provide sustenance to an animal would face a felony if the conviction is within five years from the date of a prior conviction.
“Animal cruelty is a key indicator of future violence toward human victims, and yet under current law offenders only face misdemeanor charges,” Murphy said. “Treating animal cruelty as a felony will create more of a deterrent apropos of these heinous and profane acts against helpless animals. Whether it is direct violence or neglect, animal cruelty is wrong in all forms.”
The measure is now in the Assembly where it is sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D, Scarsdale).
