ALBANY, NY–Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (23rd Senate District) are holding a joint press conference on March 24th at 10 am on the million dollar staircase in the Capitol, to urge their respected houses to pass A6722/S9231. This bill will allow judges to set bail for cases involving aggravated cruelty to animals.

Kay says, “These cases represent the most disturbing and dangerous forms of violence against animals and often involve deliberate, violent acts that can pose ongoing risks if alleged offenders are immediately released without judicial discretion to set bail.” She adds, “This legislation, which has bipartisan support, will improve public safety, ensure greater accountability and give the justice system the flexibility it needs to respond appropriately to particularly egregious acts.”

“If any moral human being carries the memory of just one of these cases in their mind, they truly know the importance of accountability and consequence for these heinous crimes. My life path has exposed me to far too many of these violent and heartbreaking cases.” says bill advocate, Founding President of Catskill Animal Rescue, inc., and New York State Peace Officer Joanne Gerow “As a society, we must be able to protect our animals and realize violence to a child or person is one step away with these perpetrators. Bail must be restored for felony animal cruelty.”