Animal welfare advocates are urging state lawmakers to include three animal protection bills in New York’s upcoming budget. Their proposals include a $2.5 million Animal Crimes Fund to help shelters cover the costs of caring for abused animals. A recent Albany County case cost one shelter over $300,000 in just 30 days.
One bill seeks tougher penalties for animal fighting by adding it to the state’s Enterprise Corruption Statute. Another would create a civil forfeiture process for removing animals from neglectful owners without requiring criminal charges.
The District Attorneys Association of New York supports all three measures. With the budget deadline approaching on April 1, advocates hope these provisions make it into the final plan.
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