New York State Law protects all animals from cruel treatment. Under the law, animals are defined as “every living creature other than a human being." Cruelty to animals is considered a crime in New York State and punishment varies according to the crime committed. Cruelty is any act that causes physical pain, serious physical injury, suffering, or death to an animal. Neglect is also an act of animal cruelty. If you commit a crime of cruelty to animals, and are arrested, you can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense. A misdemeanor is an offense punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or a combination of both. In some cases, the charge may be a felony, which is more than a year in prison, upwards of $1,000 in fines or a combination of both.
The following partial listing of animal cruelty statues is not a complete list. Also, although the wording of a particular statute may seem to suggest something is a crime, each instance is unique and also dependent on previous court rulings.
Failing to “play” or “spend time” with one’s pet does not constitute a crime, nor does leaving the animal home all day. The laws provide for the basic needs of an animal.
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Hitting, kicking or beating an animal...
Any act that causes physical pain, serious physical injury, suffering, or death to an animal or companion animal is against New York State Law. Causing physical pain, hitting, kicking or beating an animal is a crime and punishable under the law. Offenses can range from a misdemeanor in certain circumstances to a felony arrest.
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Failing to provide sustenance, food and drink...
Acts of neglect, such as failing to provide things necessary for a companion animal to live, such as a clean, healthy, living environment, food, water, shelter, etc. are all punishable under the law. If you own an animal, or take one into your home, you are responsible for its well-being.
Offenses can range from a misdemeanor in certain circumstances to a felony arrest.
ABANDONMENT OF ANIMALS
Abandoning an animal that has been under your care and control is against the law as well. The abandonment of un-spayed or neutered cats has caused a tremendous growth in the feral population.
Offenses are a misdemeanor arrest.
DOGS LOCKED/LEFT IN CARS
Although New York State Animal Cruelty statutes do not specifically state that it is a crime to leave an animal locked in your car, common sense should dictate. Temperatures in a car can range 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. Also, a car does not allow the animal to make normal posturing moves and water must be present for any animal confined or restrained.
Given each unique circumstance, offenses can rage from the officer breaking the window of the vehicle to remove the animal, and arresting the owner on misdemeanor charges or issuing a violation summons.
If you witness animal cruelty or have any questions in regards to animal cruelty please feel free to contact the Putnam County SPCA at our 24 hour Animal Cruelty Hotline 845-520-6915 or our website www.spcaputnam.org
