By Forum Staff
In recognition of Animal Advocacy Day last Wednesday, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) updated constituents on a legislative package that he has co-sponsored to strengthen animal welfare laws across the State.
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“Protecting animals from cruelty and ensuring their safety is a responsibility we all share,” Sen. Addabbo said.
The bills include:
- S.197 – Enacts “Tucker’s Law,” which permits sentencing for aggravated animal cruelty to up to four years, aligning it with default sentencing for Class E felonies. The current maximum sentence for aggravated animal cruelty is two years.
- S.252 – Expands the existing “wild animal” sale and possession ban to include certain “exotic animals” such as marsupials, sloths, anteaters, hyenas, bearcats, and zebras, to name a few.
- S.703 – Eliminate the word “serious” from the “serious physical injury” language of the Agriculture and Markets law relating to aggravated cruelty to animals to ensure someone physically harming an animal is appropriately penalized when they have impaired its physical condition or caused substantial pain. The previous standard only applied to permanent physical injury caused to an animal.
- S.1784 – Requires property owners and lessors to inspect vacated properties for abandoned animals within three days and immediately notify the appropriate authorities when an animal is found and appears to be abandoned, ensuring that pets left behind are promptly rescued and cared for.
“Protecting animals from cruelty and ensuring their safety is a responsibility we all share,” Addabbo said. “These legislative measures are designed to enhance animal protections, and most importantly, hold those who mistreat them accountable.”
The State Senate approved the package of bills. They are now in the Assembly for consideration.
