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State Senator Jim Tedisco is advocating for changes to New York State's bail laws following a disturbing incident in Albany. A Bronx man, Christopher Maxwell, was caught on camera allegedly setting a dog on fire in a church parking lot. Due to current bail laws, Maxwell was released with just an appearance ticket, as animal cruelty is not a bailable offense.
Tedisco, representing the 44th Senate District, is calling for increased penalties for animal cruelty. He believes that stronger laws are necessary to protect both pets and people from violence. "These measures aren’t just about protecting our pets, they’re about keeping all members of our family safe from violence," Tedisco stated. He is sponsoring bipartisan legislation to repeal the current bail law and allow judges more discretion, similar to the practices in 49 other states.
Tedisco is also pushing to enhance penalties under "Buster’s Law," which currently punishes aggravated cruelty to animals with up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. He proposes increasing the penalties to four years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Additionally, Tedisco supports "Kirby & Quiqley’s Law," which would make it a felony to harm a companion animal during the commission of another crime.
Tedisco emphasizes the need for these changes, citing the potential for individuals who harm animals to also pose a threat to humans. He argues that the current bail laws create a "revolving door of danger and disaster" and urges the state to protect all its residents, including animals, from abuse and neglect.