I am writing this petition in hopes to bring people together and help make our voices stronger in regard to antiquated and inadequate animal cruelty laws and investigations in New York State, especially involving animals classified as livestock.  Recently there have been numerous cases that have drawn media attention when action was taken, but only after animals are in dire condition. The case in Chenango County was reported numerous times, but it wasn’t until the media got involved that it was taken seriously.  Two high profile seizures in Oswego county were reported for years with no action taken until it became a crisis situation.  A case in Oneida county that was also reported for years until some animals were in such a state of neglect that euthanasia was the only option to ease their suffering. There are cases in Madison and Oneida counties that I know have also been reported numerous times but aren’t adequately investigated because there are no animal cruelty agencies in these counties. This problem is further compounded by the fact that cruelty against livestock is still classified as only a misdemeanor, and neglect for any animal falls into the misdemeanor categaory as well. This lack of educated and serious response to complaints of cruelty has long been noted by veterinarians and animal advocates in this state, and I wanted to make you aware of some of the issues that continue to frustrate and beleaguer those of us that continue to watch animals suffer until it becomes too heinous to ignore.

            I have worked on previous cases of cruelty with the CNYSPCA, including helping to coordinate a large seizure of horses from a farm in Onondaga county in 2013. The laws for livestock cruelty and neglect are quite vague. While there is wording that allows for investigators to use their own judgement, the wording is often interpreted that having food, water and shelter on the premises automatically rules out neglect.  This concept has been stated to me by multiple police officers, veterinarians and professionals in regard to reporting and attempting to address cases. I have reported cases myself only to be told that despite animals appearing malnourished, there is feed on the premises and no indication of neglect. Basic legal requirements for horses such as rabies vaccinations are not addressed.  Livestock animals loose in towns and not properly contained isn’t enforced. Many vets expressed knowledge that farms are awful, but meet the guideline of feed being present on the premises (even if it isn’t readily available to the animals), and so they don’t report neglectful situations because it will just make these individuals less likely to have a vet come to the location if the need arises which only worsens the suffering.

            While I know that this issue is complex and I’m not sure it can ever truly be “solved”, it would be beneficial to open a dialogue to look at ways to hopefully make even small improvements. I think the major issue in the investigation of animal cruelty is having knowledgeable investigators, and especially with less common animals like livestock. Writing hard set guidelines is understandably tough because there will be instances where owners may need assistance, education, or the poor condition may be caused by circumstances beyond their control. I spoke with the director of the New York State Humane Association, they have excellent resources for law enforcement to educate on proper investigation of animal cruelty. While I understand that requiring SPCAs or some form of specific agency to investigate these cases is not realistic, finding a way to improve the investigative process, and have investigators that are adequately trained and prepared to address these cases would ease the burden on law enforcement and the financial burden on the community when animals eventually have to be removed.  Having plans and protocols in place for animal seizures would help to mitigate the crisis situations where rescue organizations have to scramble to find adequate and knowledgeable placement for these animals.

            Individuals that have been convicted of any form of animal cruelty should face tougher repercussions for these crimes. Quite often these cases result in a reasonable fine, and possibly a probationary period. This quite simply isn’t enough of a deterrent. It is well known that people capable of animal abuse often commit far worse crimes as well, and perhaps stiffer punishments in these cases could deter these individuals from escalating or allow earlier monitoring to intervene before they have to chance to harm others. If a person is convicted of animal cruelty there should be some sort of follow up to ensure these individuals are not able to accumulate large numbers of animals again, not able to torture or cause suffering to more animals, and get help if the issues were caused by mental illness. Having a public registry that is effective statewide would allow businesses that sell animals to ensure they aren’t selling animals to a person with prior offenses, and help them better protect the animals their livelihood depends on.

            I have spoken with numerous rescue professionals, veterinarians, and law enforcement and found that no one seems to know who they can contact for assistance in these cases. I have told rescue organizations to keep my contact information for future cases, both as an expert witness or to help move/place animals. I have spoken with vets that would be willing to help investigate neglect and cruelty and offer knowledgeable and professional assessments in these cases if needed. Would it be possible to build a registry of people that law enforcement or investigators can contact in the event they need assistance in these situations?

            The overwhelming number of cases recently that have been reported for years, but aren’t acted upon until animals are seriously harmed or have already died as a result of cruelty prove that our current system is not effective. There needs to be meaningful change to hopefully help us intervene before animals (and potentially people) suffer as a result of neglect and cruelty. We need to stop pretending the current state of affairs is “good enough”. Sign this petition if you agree and want to help show law makers this issue is worthy of their attention.