Gary D. Finch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                Monday, February 13, 2006

FINCH SUPPORTS STRONGER BUSTER’S LAW  TO COMBAT CRIMINAL USE OF ANIMALS

     Assemblyman Gary Finch (R,C-Springport) today announced he is a supporter of a proposed bill, “Buster’s Bill II,” which would make the use of animals in the commission of a crime a felony offense punishable by up to two years in prison.

     The bill, proposed by Assembly Republican Leader James N. Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga), was drafted in response to recent news stories of puppies that were having their stomachs cut open and stuffed with heroin by Colombian drug lords, who then sent the animals to the United States.

     Assemblyman Finch called the incidents horrific and unconscionable.  “It is beyond belief how an individual can do such a thing to an innocent and harmless animal,” said Finch.  “The people responsible for this must be punished swiftly and harshly.”

     The original Buster’s Bill, signed into law in 1998, created the crime of ‘aggravated cruelty to animals,’ which carries a prison term of up to two years.  Before Buster’s Bill, animal cruelty resulted only in misdemeanor charges, if any charges were brought at all.

     “Buster’s Bill really established animal cruelty as a criminal offense and helped to show the public that law enforcement was serious about enforcing penalties for criminals who took advantage of animals,” said Finch.  “Buster’s Bill II is important because it goes a step further in punishing animal cruelty offenses, in turn acting as a deterrent to prevent crimes against animals altogether.”

     Finch noted the FBI reports animal cruelty is a crime that often leads to other, more serious crimes against humans.  “Serial killers like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer had histories of abusing animals,” said Finch.  “If this isn’t enough reason to pass Busters Bill II, then I don’t know what is.”

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