Senator Jim Tedisco has expressed his outrage over an alleged case of animal cruelty at “A Time for Paws” doggy daycare in Halfmoon. The facility’s owner faces charges under Buster’s felony animal cruelty law, accused of causing the death of a French bulldog named Gus by leaving him in extreme heat.
Tedisco is advocating for stricter penalties under “Buster’s Law,” proposing to increase the current two-year jail term and $5,000 fine to four years and $10,000. He is also backing bills to establish a statewide registry of animal abusers and ban those convicted from owning pets while ensuring they undergo psychiatric evaluations. Additionally, he supports “Kirby & Quiqley’s Law,” which introduces an extra felony charge for harming animals during other crimes.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking what allegedly happened to Gus the French bulldog and how the other dogs were treated at this facility,” said Senator Tedisco. He emphasized that these measures aim not only to protect pets but also people, citing research linking animal violence to human violence.
Senator Tedisco played a key role in passing Buster’s Law, which categorizes “aggravated cruelty to animals” as a felony with significant penalties. The FBI classifies animal cruelty as a serious offense due to its potential link to broader violent behavior.
“We have an obligation as a government to protect all members of our family, including those who have no voice,” stated Senator Tedisco.
