New York Senate Votes To 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.
“Today’s vote is a reminder that humanity’s laws have not always kept pace with the cruelty
some individuals inflict on animals. The package of bills passed, including expansions of ‘Tucker’s Law’ and the ban on exotic animal sales, raises our standard of accountability toward our fellow beings. These proposals reflect our deeply held belief that compassion is a virtue that must be reflected in both our values and our laws. As cruelty to animals is often a precursor to future abuse against humans, this legislation not only protects animals but also affirms our commitment to ensuring both are treated with dignity and respect.”
In addition to the proposals passed as part of this package, Sen. Martinez is sponsoring the following animal protection bills under consideration this legislative session:
• S673 – Housing People and Animals Together
Grant Program: This bill creates a grant program to fund shelters and organizations that provide emergency housing and domestic violence shelters for both people and their companion animals, ensuring that no one has to choose between
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MAY HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14th
6:00PM-10:00PM
CHEFS FOR A CAUSE
The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition is hosting "Chefs For A Cause" at The Piermont, 494 Fire Island Ave. in Babylon. Over 25 restaurants from Long Island. No Walk-ins. $125 per ticket. For more information, please call 631-893-4110
THURSDAY, MAY 15th
7:00PM
DESIGNER PURSE BINGO
Brumidi Lodge in Deer Park
Doors open at 5:30 games begin at 7pm. $30.00 Admission – includes 3 boards per game 10 games to be played.Coffee, Tea, Dessert and Door Prizes. 2075 Deer Park Ave. in Deer Park. For tickets call Karen 631-9433622
FRIDAY, MAY 16th
12:00NOON-5:00PM
FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Stony Brook Medicine hosts Free Prostate Cancer Screenings in Holbrook. This month, free screenings will be held at the Department of Urology’s office, 280 Union Avenue, Holbrook, NY 11741. Appointments are strongly recommended. Insurance is not required. To make an appointment, call 631-216-9181. For more information about Stony Brook Medicine’s Prostate Care Program, visit stonybrook.info/ prostatecareprogram. For more information about Stony Brook’s free Prostate Cancer screenings, visit stonybrookmedicine.edu/patientcare/
HOLIDAYS
11th - MOTHER'S DAY
26th - MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, May 26, 2025
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urology/prostate_cancer_screenings
7:00PM-10:00PM
BINGO NIGHT
East Farmingdale Kiwanis Club presents Bingo Night at Knights of Columbus, 1 Morton St. in Farmingdale. $15 entry includes 8 games (extra books available for $5) Door prizes and raffles. RSVP to Patrick Burns 646-436-5258/ patswoodworking@gmail.com or Carolyn Lindsley at virgomilo99@aol. com
SATURDAY, MAY 17th
10:00AM-3:00PM
SUNDAY, MAY 18th
12:00 NOON-3:00PM
SACRED SITES WITH THE NEW YORK LANDMARKS CONSERVANCY
Saint Mary's Church is hosting an OPEN HOUSE for Sacred Sites with the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Come visit and tour St. Mary's Historic Church located at 175 Broadway, Amityville. Light refreshments and music too! Questions, please call 631-264-0004
SATURDAY, MAY 17th
1:00AM-4:00PM
SUNDAY, MAY 18th
12:00 NOON-2:00PM
NEW YORK LANDMARKS
CONSERVANCY’S ANNUAL
SACRED SITES
As part of The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s annual Sacred Sites OPEN HOUSE, Sayville Congregational Church will open its doors to visitors. Please join them to experience their
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historic church. A guided tour of the bell tower will be provided, an art show will be on display, and light refreshments and music will be provided. Visit www.sayvilleucc.org.
SUNDAY, MAY 18th
12 NOON-4:00PM
COMMUNITY PICNIC
The Lindenhurst Historical Society will celebrate the 1901 Restored LIRR Depot and Freight House Museum’s 50th Anniversary with a “Community Picnic” on the Great Lawn at Irmisch Historical Park (intersection of South Broadway and South 3rd Street). All are invited to attend and enjoy an afternoon of festivities commemorating the community’s railroad history music, museum tours, food trucks, model train display, raffles, lawn games and sack races for the children. For more information, please email lindenhursthistoricalsociety@gmail. com.
6:00PM ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Music Ministry Annual Spring Concert
In the Church at 210 S. Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst. Featuring the OLPH Adult Choir, Schola, Youth Choir, Cantors and Instrumentalists. Hospitality follows in the Auditorium. Raffle tickets. Suggested Donation: $10 for Adults; $5 for Senior Citizens and Students; $20 for the whole Family. For more information call Music Director Erin Barrett at 631-226-7725, ext. 210
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Stronger Animal Protections
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housing and their pet.
• S896 – Comprehensive Emergency Management Planning for Pets: This bill requires New York’s emergency management plans to include provisions for animals, ensuring pets are not left behind during disasters and shelters, rescue operations, and veterinary care are accounted for.
• S1741 – Strengthening Penalties for Animal Abandonment: This bill increases the minimum penalty for abandoning an animal, ensuring that those who leave pets behind face fines of at least $500.
• S1742 – Increasing Penalties for Inadequate Shelter for Dogs: This bill strengthens penalties for failing to provide proper shelter for dogs
left outside in extreme weather, ensuring that neglect is met with consequences.
• S1743 – Granting SPCA Officers the Authority to Enforce Animal Cruelty Laws: This bill grants SPCA peace officers the same authority as police officers to issue appearance tickets, summons, or arrests for violations of animal cruelty laws.
There’s some truth to the popular notion that “laughter is the best medicine.” The United States Department of Veterans Affairs notes that laughter has physiological effects on the body that lead to changes in body
chemistry and brain function. For example, laughter increases heart and respiratory rates and oxygen consumption over a short period. These changes ultimately move individuals into a state of relaxation.
Additional research has found that laughter can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, supporting the suggestion that laughter is an effective and even multi-faceted “medicine.”
