Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Local officials are looking to change New York’s bail reform laws to allow judges the discretion to detain individuals accused of aggravated animal abuse.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly stood with Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, members of the Hempstead Town Board, and animal advocates during a May 12 news conference at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh. Together, they called on state lawmakers to repeal parts of the “cashless bail” law that they say prevent the justice system from holding dangerous offenders accountable.
“As an animal-lover, I am disgusted by those who would abuse or even kill defenseless animals,” Donnelly said.
According to Donnelly, under current state law, aggravated cruelty to animals — a felony under Section 353-a of the Agriculture and Markets Law — is not a bail-eligible offense. As a result, those charged with acts of animal abuse are typically released with only an appearance ticket.
Officials highlighted a recent case from Albany, in which a man accused of starving and setting a dog on fire was released without bail, despite the severity of the alleged crime.
“It is truly sick that someone can starve a living creature, set it on fire and walk free on our streets,” said Donnelly. “These types of individuals need to be taken off our streets and put behind bars.”
Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 1648, which would make aggravated animal abuse a bailable offense.
“I am delighted that the District Attorney has stepped up and asked me to work with her to advance legislation which would repeal provisions of the ‘cashless bail’ law,” she said, “which render judges powerless to detain many individuals who torture, sexually abuse and even kill dogs.”
Ferretti, who championed a Nassau County law creating a dangerous dog registry after his family’s dog was mauled, said he is eager to support the initiative.
“The opportunity to work with the District Attorney, Town of Hempstead officials and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is something that is very important to me,” he said.
Gary Rogers, president of the Nassau County SPCA, said in a news release that the proposed changes are overdue.
“Animal crimes is a very serious crime,” Rogers stated in a release. “It is a precursor to other violent crimes. It is our responsibility to protect the voiceless animals and society from the depraved acts of an animal abuser.”
Donnelly said the reform is urgent, warning that cashless bail is allowing dangerous offenders to remain on the streets.
“It is unconscionable that judges are left powerless to detain sick individuals, who torture and abuse helpless animals,” Donnelly said. “I will continue to work with Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Legislator Ferretti and Town of Hempstead leaders to change the law. And, as District Attorney, I am working hard to put animal abusers behind bars where they belong.”
