New York State Legislator Cracks Down on Pet Theft and Animal Abuse

Pet thieves beware. Those who steal pets in New York State will face fines up to $1,000 now that Governor Andrew Cuomo has stepped up to the plate by signing new legislation for pet theft and mistreatment. In addition to a steep fine, pet thieves could also face jail time, according to a provision included within the legislation. Animal rights activists and organizations have been praising Gov. Cuomo’s animal protection efforts publicly, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Hopefully, these new laws will help deter the theft of companion animals and cut down on the levels of abuse animals are subject to by breeders and dealers.

Reasons for Pet Theft

At first glance, many residents may not understand the motivating factors driving pet theft. Sadly, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has tracked reports of over 590 pets that were stolen in 2013 alone. Separating these animals from their families can be immensely traumatizing to pets and their owners. The majority of these thefts are motivated by profit, with thieves selling the animals through flea markets or retailers, according to warnings issued by AKC.

It’s also possible that animals are stolen due to illegal dogfights in the area, where animals are cruelly subjected to abuse and violence through forced competition. Pets can make compelling targets for thieves who want to sell dogs into this abusive trade, due to the high profit that can be raised through the gambling process.

Fortunately, it is a felony crime to partake in dogfighting, so thieves involved with this crime can face steep legal consequences. The Humane Society of the United States encourages community members to watch out for signs of dogfighting, and alert the authorities if they are aware of households with a large number of untrained, chained pit bulls or if they encounter dogs that have large scars or noticeable injuries.

Puppy Mill Practices

Another piece of animal protection legislation signed by Gov. Cuomo in 2014 allows municipalities to use stricter regulations in pet dealing oversight. Unfortunately, pet mills try to maximize their profits by breeding and raising animals at an extremely high rate, leading to cage overcrowding and inadequate care. Animal can quickly become sick or injured in these environments, and they might not receive treatment until they arrive at a pet store or are sold to a customer. However, puppy mill owners, breeders, and dealers will need to step up their accountability under the recent New York legislation, since their practices will be under increased scrutiny.

Municipalities which seek to adopt their own puppy mill requirements will need to at least meet the standards set by New York state, according to bill A.740-A. This means that dealers and breeders in all communities will be held to minimum state standards, while their municipalities reserve the right to make standards stricter for pet breeders and dealers.

As the bill was signed, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal shared a harrowing story regarding dozens of dogs who recently died of cold exposure when they were left outside in Sprakers, NY. Stories like these are stark reminders of why this legislation is so important for animal protection. Hopefully, these efforts will cut down on instances of animal cruelty at the hands of puppy mill employees.

Families with pets can breathe a sign of relief under these two recent bills, which may reduce the amount of animal-related crime in New York state. Gov. Cuomo’s efforts acknowledge the extremely important roles of pets in our families. This legislation can go a long way in reducing the theft and mistreatment of companion animals.