NYFB Applauds Signing of Animal Cruelty Education Bill

NEWS FROM NEW YORK FARM BUREAU
Contact: Steve Ammerman, Manager of Public Affairs
518-431-5643 (office) 518-573-3617 (cell), sammerman@nyfb.org

For Immediate Release:
October 27, 2015

Contact: Steve Ammerman, NYFB Manager of Public Affairs 
518-431-5643 (Office) 518-573-3617 (Cell), sammerman@nyfb.org

NEW YORK FARM BUREAU APPLAUDS SIGNING OF ANIMAL CRUELTY EDCUATION BILL

Animals in this state are the real winners today. Governor Cuomo has signed legislation that will create new educational and training opportunities for law enforcement regarding existing animal cruelty statutes. This will help eliminate any confusion surrounding Agriculture and Markets Law that may hamper both the criminal investigation and punishment of animal abusers.

The legislation will do three main things. First, it allows the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) to develop police training policies in conjunction with the Municipal Police Training Council as they relate to the enforcement of animal cruelty and protection laws. It also requires the Division of Criminal Justice Services to assist NYSDAM in developing information about animal cruelty and protection laws to be used by law enforcement. Finally, that information will be made available in both written and electronic form for use by police agencies, officers, and district attorneys. There will also be coordination among NYSDAM and DCJS to develop training programs as well.

New York Farm Bureau takes the issue of animal cruelty seriously. It is why we partnered with law enforcement and the New York State Humane Association during the legislative session to advocate on the bill’s behalf. And today, we thank the Governor for recognizing the law’s significance and taking action. We also appreciate the efforts of Agriculture Committee Chairs, Senator Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Bill Magee, to pass the bill through their respective chambers. When abuse happens anywhere, it is crucial for our law enforcement officers and district attorneys to be able to recognize it and prosecute fully, according to the law.

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New York Farm Bureau is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau is dedicated to solving the economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural community. www.nyfb.org