Altmann, Scannell & DA call for more aggressive
prosecution of animal abusers
February 24, 2006
Nassau County Legislators Lisanne Altmann (D-Great Neck)
and Public Safety Chairman Legislator Joseph Scannell
(D-Baldwin) this week joined with Nassau County District
Attorney Kathleen Rice, the SPCA, Nassau County Police
Department and fellow legislators to call for more aggressive
prosecution of anyone charged with the abuse of an animal.
Nassau lawmakers and District Attorney Rice said they
are getting tough on animal abusers, following the disturbing
story of a Roosevelt man who was arrested Tuesday and
charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after he was
observed abusing adult and puppy pit bulls.
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Nassau County Legislators Lisanne Altmann (D-Great
Neck) and Public Safety Chairman Legislator Joseph
Scannell (D-Baldwin) |
“It's
important that we make sure people who abuse animals are prosecuted to the
fullest extent of the law. Animal abuse will not be tolerated here in
Nassau County,” said Legislator Altmann.
“I
would ask that all residents be vigilant in reporting any incidents of animal
cruelty that they might observe,” said Legislator Scannell. “These
animals cannot speak for themselves, but they deserve to be treated humanely.”
Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice added, “Animal
cruelty needs to be taken seriously and under my watch,
it will. I look forward to working with county
and state legislators as we push for more prosecutorial
latitude in these cases,"
Gail Sanger,
temporary receiver of the SPCA, said, "Fighting
animal abuse starts with the private citizens who, as
was the case with these mistreated dogs, make a phone
call when they see someone mistreating an animal."
The SPCA is the
only organization in Nassau County, other than the police
department, authorized to enforce NYS animal cruelty
laws. The organization has peace officers who go after
people who are abusing/mistreating their animals; respond
to calls regarding animal cruelty and neglect, investigate
the circumstances and attempt to resolve the situation
in the best interests of the animals involved.
Anyone who
wishes to help animals can volunteer to help the SPCA or make a contribution. Visit
the SPCA website at: www.nassauspca.com
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