Animal Abandonment Penalties Could Increase

The New York State Senate is sending legislation along to the Assembly that would increase penalties for pet owners who abandon their animals.

Republican Senator Carl Marcellino of Syosset says incidents of animals being left behind by irresponsible owners who walk away due to financial reasons or just because they don’t want the pet anymore are increasing.

The bill would increase the punishment for abandonment to a maximum of a year in jail, a $2,000 fine or both.

For now, the penalty is one year in jail, $1,000 fine or both.