(Long Island, NY) New York State Senator Michael Venditto (R, C, I- Massapequa), recently joined with his colleagues in the State Legislature for their annual Animal Advocacy Day – an event that brings together lawmakers, law enforcement, and hundreds of pet owners and advocates to raise awareness of important animal issues. Senator Venditto is pictured above with Sawyer and Charlotte at the Animal Advocacy Day in Albany.
“Like many New Yorkers, I consider pets an extension of my family. Their health and safety, and the wellness of animals across New York, are a high priority for me. I am pleased that the New York State Senate also passed legislation to further protect animals from harm and cruelty,” said Senator Venditto.
State Senator Michael Venditto recently joined with his colleagues in the State Legislature for their annual Animal Advocacy Day. Photo Credit: NYS.
Among those bills passed: increases the potential jail time from 2 years to 4 when acts of cruelty against animals are committed in front of children; increases the maximum fine for abandonment of animals from $1,000 to $2,000; makes stealing a pet a crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony; and increases the penalties for leaving a companion animal in a vehicle during times of extreme hot or cold temperatures, while also permitting police officers to remove animals from vehicles when they face serious physical injury or death.
