NJ Senate passes Patrick’s Law; bill would increase animal cruelty penalties
A bill named after Patrick the Pit Bull — a dog that was starved, thrown down a garbage chute and left for dead in Newark last year — unanimously passed the state Senate on Thursday.
If the Assembly concurs, abusing an animal or depriving it of food, water or other necessities would be elevated to a fourth-degree crime, not remain a disorderly persons offense. And if the animal dies as a result of the abuse, the crime would be increased to the third degree.
Patrick’s Law, which has been praised by animal rights activists, would toughen the penalties for animal cruelty, bringing fines of $1,000 to $3,000 for a first offense, and $3,000 to $5,000 for a subsequent offense.
The bill was sponsored by Sens. Tom Kean, R-Union, and Dick Codey, D-Essex, and now heads to the Assembly.
“How someone treats animals in their care is a window into his or her soul,” Kean said in a statement after the Senate vote. “Caring for an animal comes with basic responsibilities that include finding a safe, humane environment for that animal if you cannot or do not wish to care for it any longer. Patrick’s Law will make the penalties for those who shirk those responsibilities appropriately more severe.”
http://www.northjersey.com/news/Senate_passes_Patricks_Law_increasing_animal_cruelty_penalties.html
Patrick now
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