D.A. Blames 'Cashless Bail' Law for Setting Animal Abusers Free

WANTAGH, NY — There is a push to change the state's "cashless bail" law to detain the most vicious animal abusers.

Currently, individuals who abuse and mistreat animals in the state are not generally subject to bail under New York’s existing “cashless bail” laws. More specifically, aggravated cruelty to animals — as defined in Section 353-a of the Agriculture and Markets Law—is not a bail-eligible offense.

“As an animal-lover, I am disgusted by those who would abuse or even kill defenseless animals,” said Nassau County D.A. Anne Donnelly.

People charged with this felony are generally released without bail, regardless of the severity of the alleged act.

State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is the co-sponsor of legislation that would make persons charged with aggravated abuse of an animal eligible for bail. Currently, these people are not bail eligible and walk free with an appearance ticket for injuring and even killing innocent cats, dogs and other animals.

Donnelly, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray also asked Nassau Legislator John Ferretti to work with them on repealing provisions of the cashless bail law based on his successful passage of a Nassau County law, which created a dangerous dog registry.

Nassau SPCA President Gary Rogers said: "Animal crimes is a very serious crime, 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."