NY Lawmakers Push Bill to Restore Bail for Aggravated Animal Cruelty Cases

ALBANY, N.Y. – Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay and State Senator Jessica Scarcella‑Spanton (D‑23) will hold a joint press conference Tuesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. on the Million Dollar Staircase in the State Capitol to advocate for legislation allowing judges to set bail in cases of aggravated animal cruelty.

The bill, A6722/S9231, aims to give courts discretion to detain alleged offenders in particularly severe cases involving deliberate acts of violence against animals.

“These cases represent the most disturbing and dangerous forms of violence against animals and often involve deliberate, violent acts that can pose ongoing risks if alleged offenders are immediately released without judicial discretion to set bail,” Kay said. She added that the legislation has bipartisan support and would improve public safety, ensure accountability, and provide flexibility to the justice system in handling egregious acts.

Joanne Gerow, founding president of Catskill Animal Rescue, Inc. and a New York State Peace Officer, also voiced support for the bill. “If any moral human being carries the memory of just one of these cases in their mind, they truly know the importance of accountability and consequence for these heinous crimes,” Gerow said. “As a society, we must be able to protect our animals and realize violence to a child or person is one step away with these perpetrators. Bail must be restored for felony animal cruelty.”

The press conference will include members of the Assembly and Senate committees on Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Environmental Conservation; Insurance; Racing and Wagering; and Veterans’ Affairs.