BILL NUMBER: S1659
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the judiciary law, in relation to the creation of a
court appointed advocate for animals
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would allow judges to appoint special advocates in cases
involving the welfare of an animal.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the judiciary law by adding a new article 22-b.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Crimes against animals often go unprosecuted or result in lenient
punishments, both of which put animals in danger. We also know that
those who abuse animals will often go on to harm humans. In fact, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation began tracking cases of animal abuse in
2017 in the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) because of
the demonstrated link between animal abuse and human violence. Animals
do not have a voice within the courtroom and not all lawyers are ekperi-
enced in the area of animal welfare.
This bill would allow New York State judges to appoint special advocates
to represent the interests of animals in cases involving animal welfare,
much like the courts do for children and other vulnerable crime victims.
The advocates will monitor the case, review pertinent information and
documents from veterinarians, animal control, and police officers and
attend hearings, among other. Ultimately, these advocates will provide
a voice for abused and neglected animals within the courtroom and work
to ensure the best interests of the animals are served.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-20: A.25 - Referred to Judiciary
2021-22: A.5315 - Referred to Judiciary
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.