Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I-Newport) today joined Minority Leader James N. Tedisco (R,C,I – Schenectady-Saratoga) in calling for “Buster's Bill II,” which would make the injury of animals in the commission of a crime a felony offense punishable by up to two years in prison.
“I was disgusted at the news that drug smugglers recently used Labrador puppies to transport heroin into the United States,” Butler said. “Busters Bill II” would protect family pets by increasing penalties for those who would injure companion animals in the commission of a crime.”
The original “Buster's Bill,” signed into law in 1999, created the category of "aggravated cruelty to animals," a crime punishable by up to two years in prison. Buster was an 18-month old Schenectady cat that was doused with kerosene and burned to death in 1997.
Previous to “Buster's Law,” animal cruelty resulted in misdemeanor charges if any charges were given at all. “Buster’s Bill II” would close a possible loophole in the current law, stopping the possible argument that it wasn't the criminal’s intention to cause an animal serious physical injury.