Jabari Brisport

Jabari Brisport attempted to kill bill that would Unleash Stronger Animal Protections

The New York State Senate has passed a package of legislation to strengthen protections for the well-being of animals.  Included were Senate Bills S197 and S252, sponsored by State Senator Monica R. Martinez, that give judges the discretion to order consecutive sentences when an individual is convicted of multiple counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and expands the definitions of wild and exotic animals to ensure these creatures will be protected from being imported, sold, or owned.

S197, also known as Tucker’s Law, was originally introduced in 2020 following the arrest of a Long Island man for the beating deaths of two dogs and the injury of a third.  The legislation was crafted in response to a limitation in state law that restricts a charge of aggravated cruelty to a definite sentence not exceeding two years in prison.  The bill addresses this by granting judges discretion to impose consecutive sentences when an individual is convicted of multiple counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.  Currently, the law caps sentences at up to two years, even for the most egregious acts.

S252 was filed in response to a Hauppauge pet store found to be selling various exotic animals.  The shop also allegedly allowed visitors to purchase 30-minute sessions to pet, feed and interact with wild and exotic animals, including sloths and kangaroos.  Under current law, selling or keeping these types of animals is not prohibited, but the shop was closed last year following court orders for alleged town code violations.

Feel free to #VoteMeOut because I don't care about you or your animals!

Contact Senator Jabari Brisport's Office

DISTRICT OFFICE

906 Broadway2nd Floor

Brooklyn,  NY 11206

Phone: (718) 643-6140

ALBANY OFFICE

188 State Street805 Legislative Office Building

Albany,  NY 12247

Phone: (518) 455-3451

Email Address: brisport@nysenate.gov

Office Contacts:

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Email: teambrisport@nysenate.gov