Saratoga Standard

Senator Jim Tedisco is calling for legislative action following a troubling incident in Albany where a man allegedly set a dog on fire. The incident, captured on February 23rd by a Ring doorbell camera, involved Christopher Maxwell from the Bronx. He was charged under "Buster’s Law" with felony aggravated cruelty to animals but released with an appearance ticket due to current bail reform laws.

Tedisco criticized these reforms, stating: “The shocking and extremely disturbing torture and murder of a puppy who was allegedly set ablaze in Albany by this depraved individual not only highlights the need to strengthen our state’s animal cruelty laws but also is yet another example of New York’s broken so-called ‘criminal justice reform’ laws and the failed bail law that’s created a revolving door of danger and disaster.”

He is advocating for bipartisan legislation to repeal the bail law (S.4461) and increase penalties for animal cruelty offenses. Tedisco has been instrumental in passing Buster's Law, which classifies aggravated cruelty to animals as a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Highlighting the link between animal cruelty and further criminal behavior, Tedisco pointed out that those who harm animals often go on to commit crimes against humans. He referenced past cases like that of Buster the cat, which led to Buster's Law being enacted in 1999.

Tedisco is also pushing for legislation that would increase penalties under Buster's Law from two years in jail and a $5,000 fine to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine (S.1205). Additionally, he supports measures requiring convicted animal abusers to undergo psychiatric evaluations (S.1044) and banning them from owning pets.

Another proposed bill, “Kirby & Quiqley’s Law” (S.470), seeks to impose additional felonies for harming companion animals during other crimes such as burglary.

“These measures aren’t just about protecting our pets; they’re about keeping all members of our family safe from violence,” said Tedisco. He emphasized the government's duty to protect vulnerable individuals without voices.

Tedisco concluded: “The scales of justice are now tipped in favor of criminals as crime victims and our beloved companion animals have become the forgotten New Yorkers.”