Johns, Rescue Ink Stars Rally To Strengthen Buster’s Law

June 3, 2011

Assemblyman Mark Johns (R,C-Webster) (left) meets tough guy animal advocates Anthony “Big Ant” Rossano (center) and Mike “Big Mike” Palazzo (right) of Rescue Ink at New York State Animal Advocacy Day in Albany.

Animal lovers and advocates across the state traveled to Albany this week for New York State’s first annual Animal Advocacy Day. Assemblyman Mark Johns (R,C-Webster) and other legislative colleagues met with advocates and rescue groups to discuss strengthening the landmark animal cruelty measure known as “Buster’s Law.”

“Some experts believe intentionally inflicting harm to pets or livestock is a gateway crime for future violent acts,” said Johns. “Many dangerous felons, like infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, started their dark path by torturing animals. Educating others and strengthening ‘Buster’s Law’ will help take these abusers off our streets before they prey on vulnerable people.”

Johns met two outstanding animal advocates and rescuers, Anthony “Big Ant” Rossano, founding member of National Geographic’s “Rescue Ink”; and Mike “Big Mike” Palazzo, a police officer for 14 years. The two were on hand in our State Capitol with the rest of their group to promote animal rights and the strengthening of “Buster’s Law.”

“Buster’s Law” made the torture or killing of a companion pet a crime with up to two years’ jail time and a $5,000 fine. Troublingly, statics have shown that despite the law being on the books the numbers of animal abuse cases have increased. The bill seeks to double jail time to four years and raise the fine to $25,000.

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