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Pet Store Abuse Allegations Spur Action By Murphy

MOHEGAN LAKE, N.Y. – Following the second arrest made in an animal cruelty case involving a Mohegan Lake pet shop owned by a Mahopac resident, New York State Sen. Terrence Murphy announced the launch of his Protect Our Pets Petition to put pressure on the Assembly to pass what he calls crucial legislation that would provide added protection to animals across New York.

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Murphy is calling for the passage of S.4265, which would make it easier to prosecute people causing serious injury to a companion animal. Further, S.3201 would modernize animal cruelty laws to promote consistent enforcement by law enforcement officials and the courts, and "Buster's Law," S.2935, would establish a public registry of people convicted of animal cruelty.

"Every day my wife and I teach our three kids about right and wrong," said Murphy. "Any case of animal cruelty is not just wrong but sickening to hear about. I was proud to sponsor and support several key pieces of legislation this year which would protect our pets and ensure those who do harm animals are held accountable for their actions."

Recently, several arrests have been made involving a chain of pet shops with a store in Mohegan Lake. Richard F. Doyle, 55, of Mahopac, owner of American Breeders, was charged Monday with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty in connection with the care of two dogs and a kitten, two of which were euthanized as a result.  

Margaret Cunzio, a foster for the SPCA of Westchester in Briarcliff Manor and Second Chance Rescue NYC, said this common-sense legislation will protect animals across our state from those who do them harm. "As the owner of seven rescue pets, I thank Senator Murphy for his leadership on this issue and encourage residents to add their name to the Protect Our Pets petition," said Cunzio.

In June, the Senate passed S.3451, which was authored by Murphy, that would increase the penalty for multiple convictions of torturing, killing or failing to provide sustenance to an animal to a felony, if convicted within five years from the date of a prior conviction. The measure passed with support of 61-1.

 

 

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