Verona Councilman Calls on State Legislature to Change Animal Cruelty Laws

(Verona, NY – Oct. 2013) Based on the increased amount of animal cruelty, Fred “Fritz” Scherz, Jr., Councilman on the Verona Town Board calls on the New York State Legislature to change animal cruelty laws.

Additionally, he has created an on-line petition regarding such: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/reclassify-animal-cruelty-laws.html and plans to submit it to the New York State Legislature by Oct. 31.

“Sadly, animal cruelty has become increasingly prevalent in society,” said Scherz.  “Currently, in New York State animal cruelty is considered a violation of Ag and Markets Law. Because of this, any penalties for those found guilty of animal cruelty are often minimal. I call on the New York State Legislature to change the laws on animal cruelty and have these violations covered by penal law. By doing so, it would be easier for law enforcement to prosecute these cases.”

“Moreover,” he continued, “it would increase the penalties for repeat offenders and hopefully act as a deterrent. I know attempts have been made at strengthening animal cruelty laws. For example, Senator Griffo has sponsored a bipartisan bill calling for an animal abuse registry and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi has co-sponsored a bill that would remove animal cruelty violations from Ag and Markets Law and put them under the penal code, which is exactly what I’m hopeful of. I applaud both the Senator and Assemblyman for their common sense legislation and hope their colleagues on both sides of the aisle will support their efforts. I hope those that feel the way I do on this issue will consider signing my on-line petition.”

For more information, go to:  www.fritzscherz.com, email him at: fritz@fritzscherz.com and/or call: (315) 363-3509.