Proposed legislation aims to educate law enforcement about animal abuse
ALBANY – Proposed legislation to educate police officers on how to improve their handle of animal abuse cases is getting traction in the state capitol.
A bill (no. A7207) sponsored by 121st District Assemblyman William Magee is calling for passage of legislation that would provide law enforcement with training and education materials on animal cruelty laws in New York State. If passed, the proposal would give officers and district attorneys an understanding of existing New York Ag and Market laws meant to prosecute those who violate those laws and protect animals.
Under the proposal, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets would work in conjunction with the Municipal Police Training Council to develop police training policies relative to the enforcement of animal protection laws. It would also require the Division of Criminal Justice Services to help the Department of Ag and Markets develop information about animal cruelty and protection laws to be used by police officers; and would make that information available to police agencies, officers and district attorneys.
The same proposal was passed by members of both the state senate and assembly last week, and is currently awaiting a signature from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The bill received a good deal of support from several animal safeguarding coalitions, including the New York State Humane Association and the New York Farm Bureau, both of which used their clout in Albany to push the bill through before the end of the legislative session.
The New York Farm Bureau claims animal abuse is serious issue that’s often misunderstood and overlooked.
“Farmers take the wellbeing of their animals seriously. When abuse happens anywhere, it is important for our law enforcement officers to be able to recognize it and prosecute fully according to the law,” said NY Farm Bureau President Dean Norton.
Norton said the bill would “clear up confusion” pertaining to current animal cruelty statutes.
Locally, the bill could have a big impact, explained Chenango SPCA Executive Director Annette Clarke.
“Any time we can offer training to officers to handle animal abuse cases, it’s good for everyone in the animal world,” Clarke said. “A lack of information is definitely out there. We need more people who know what to do and how to handle cases of animal abuse.”
While the Chenango SPCA does not have a cruelty officer on staff to directly handle instances of animal abuse, the organization typically receives requests and makes referrals to the proper authorities.
“We’re pretty rural, so there’s a lot of blurry lines when it comes to who handles abuse cases. But once you get into bigger cities, I can see how this legislation would really help.”
A bill (no. A7207) sponsored by 121st District Assemblyman William Magee is calling for passage of legislation that would provide law enforcement with training and education materials on animal cruelty laws in New York State. If passed, the proposal would give officers and district attorneys an understanding of existing New York Ag and Market laws meant to prosecute those who violate those laws and protect animals.
Under the proposal, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets would work in conjunction with the Municipal Police Training Council to develop police training policies relative to the enforcement of animal protection laws. It would also require the Division of Criminal Justice Services to help the Department of Ag and Markets develop information about animal cruelty and protection laws to be used by police officers; and would make that information available to police agencies, officers and district attorneys.
The same proposal was passed by members of both the state senate and assembly last week, and is currently awaiting a signature from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The bill received a good deal of support from several animal safeguarding coalitions, including the New York State Humane Association and the New York Farm Bureau, both of which used their clout in Albany to push the bill through before the end of the legislative session.
The New York Farm Bureau claims animal abuse is serious issue that’s often misunderstood and overlooked.
“Farmers take the wellbeing of their animals seriously. When abuse happens anywhere, it is important for our law enforcement officers to be able to recognize it and prosecute fully according to the law,” said NY Farm Bureau President Dean Norton.
Norton said the bill would “clear up confusion” pertaining to current animal cruelty statutes.
Locally, the bill could have a big impact, explained Chenango SPCA Executive Director Annette Clarke.
“Any time we can offer training to officers to handle animal abuse cases, it’s good for everyone in the animal world,” Clarke said. “A lack of information is definitely out there. We need more people who know what to do and how to handle cases of animal abuse.”
While the Chenango SPCA does not have a cruelty officer on staff to directly handle instances of animal abuse, the organization typically receives requests and makes referrals to the proper authorities.
“We’re pretty rural, so there’s a lot of blurry lines when it comes to who handles abuse cases. But once you get into bigger cities, I can see how this legislation would really help.”
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