Lollypop Farm’s Humane Law Enforcement Champions New Animal Protection Bills in New York State Assembly

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, is proud to announce the introduction of two critical animal protection bills in the New York State Assembly. Developed in collaboration with Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, the legislation represents a significant path forward in combating animal cruelty and empowering humane law enforcement throughout the state.

These bills, A1609 and A6602, are designed to address gaps in current animal cruelty laws and provide humane law enforcement officers with the tools they need to proactively combat abuse and neglect.

“We have been working on this for some time now,” said Reno DiDomenico, Vice President of Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “We hope that taking a more proactive approach to developing legislation focused on animal cruelty will give us more of an ability to prevent crimes instead of having to react to them, and ultimately help us save more animals.”

A1609 – Criminal Reporting Access for SPCA Officers
This bill designates animal welfare agencies with SPCA designation, like Lollypop Farm, as “qualified agencies,” granting them access to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services’ central data facility. This includes criminal records, photographs, and fingerprint data, and would also allow SPCA law enforcement agencies to report animal-related crimes directly into the system.

This data-sharing would not only improve coordination with federal and state law enforcement but also enhance tracking of individuals who commit acts of cruelty or neglect, crimes that are often linked to violence against humans.

A6602 – Endangering the Welfare of Companion and Farm Animals –
This legislation establishes the crime of endangering the welfare of an animal in two degrees:

Second Degree: Reckless conduct likely to cause harm to an animal.

First Degree: Culpable acts of harm, which would be classified as a felony.

Currently, most animal cruelty cases in New York are charged only as misdemeanors. Elevating these offenses to felony status reflects the seriousness of these crimes and provides stronger legal protections for animals.

How the Public Can Help
Lollypop Farm encourages New Yorkers to voice their support for these vital measures by visiting the New York State Senate website:
For bill A1609 regarding reporting, visit this page.
For bill A6602 regarding endangering the welfare of a companion or farm animal, visit this page.

Supporters can click “Aye” on each page and sign up for alerts to stay informed.

Lollypop Farm extends sincere thanks to Assemblymember Jen Lunsford for sponsoring both bills and to cosponsors Assemblymembers William Conrad, Deborah Glick, Maritza Davila, Micah Lasher, and John T. McDonald III for their dedication to protecting New York’s animals.

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Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org.

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Media Contact:
Nikkie Wargo-Catallo, Public Relations Specialist
(585) 223-1330
email