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.co
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