In reaction to the horrible case of 10 Labrador puppies having their bellies cut open and stuffed with packets of heroin to be smuggled into America, New York State Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R-C-I, Schenectady, Saratoga) wants to create Buster's Law 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.

Tedisco was the author of the original Buster's Bill which was signed into law in 1998 creating the category of "aggravated cruelty to animals" punishable by up to two years in prison. Buster's Bill was named after an 18-month old tabby cat that was doused with kerosene and burned to death by a Schenectady teenager in 1997. Previous to Buster's Bill becoming law, animal cruelty resulted in misdemeanor charges if any charges were given at all.

Tedisco said that while those responsible for using the puppies as drug mules are depraved and sadistic, it could perhaps be argued in court by their defense lawyers that it wasn't their intention to cause the animals serious physical injury and they might not be convicted under Buster's Law.

"I can't imagine where this wouldn't be a case of animal cruelty but just to be sure there is no wiggle room we want to have equal charges for the misuse of an animal in the commission of a crime," said Tedisco. "These sick individuals deserve to be severely punished on top of the drug charges they are already facing."

The FBI has said that animal cruelty is a bridge crime to serious crimes against humans. Infamous serial killers Ted Bundy, the "Son of Sam" and Jeffrey Dahmer all had a history of abusing animals.