At Lollypop Farm, our mission to build a more compassionate world for animals goes far beyond our shelter walls. Every day, our Humane Law Enforcement investigators work to investigate and stop cruelty, neglect, and abuse across the Greater Rochester region— but their work is also reaching the New York State Assembly.
Thanks to the advocacy efforts of our team and the leadership of Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, two new pieces of legislation are now up for a vote that could dramatically strengthen protections for animals across the state.
These proposed laws—Assembly Bill A1609 and Assembly Bill A6602—are critical next steps in preventing cruelty and ensuring that those who harm animals are held accountable.
Legislation regarding criminal reporting
Designates a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals as a qualified agency for the purpose of allowing access to the division of criminal justice services central data facility.*
The first piece of proposed legislation is for SPCA officers to have access to the New York State central database, which contains information such as criminal records, photographs, fingerprints, and other information.
This legislation also means that Lollypop Farm and other animal welfare agencies would be able to report into this system, providing better reporting of animal crimes to other agencies. This would help keep track of those who have committed acts of cruelty or neglect towards animals and provide agencies like the FBI with important information to help prevent further crimes.
Research suggests that there is a link between human and animal violence, and animal abusers are more likely to commit harm to other people. This legislation would help to prevent further crimes against animals and people.
Impact at a glance:
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Improves tracking and sharing of information about animal abuse offenders.
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Supports better coordination across numerous agencies.
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Aims to interrupt the cycle of violence by identifying repeat offenders, recognizing the link between animal abuse and human violence.
Legislation regarding endangering the welfare of a companion animal or farm animal
Establishes the crime of endangering the welfare of a companion animal or farm animal in the first and second degree.
Endangering the welfare of an animal in the second degree involves reckless conduct that will ultimately cause harm to a companion or farm animal. In the first degree, it includes intent to harm, which would be a felony under the law. Currently, most laws involving animal cruelty are misdemeanors in New York.
“We have been working on this for some time now,” states Reno DiDomenico, VP of Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm. “We hope that taking a more proactive approach to 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.”
By formally recognizing the severity of these crimes, this legislation brings long-overdue accountability and reinforces the importance of animal lives under state law.
Impact at a glance:
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To be more preventative and give officers the ability to act sooner in situations involving cruelty.
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Includes the mental culpability of the defendant, making it harder for the defendant to justify their actions.
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Encourages stronger deterrents and allows for more significant legal consequences.
What can you do?
Head to the New York State Senate website using the links below and write in your support. There is a button on the right side of each page asking, “Do you support this bill?” which you can click on “Aye.” You can also receive alerts by providing your email address or by creating an account. Let New York State know that you support these pieces of legislation to help protect animals!
For bill A1609 regarding reporting, visit this page.
For bill A6602 regarding endangering the welfare of a companion or farm animal, visit this page.
We would like to thank Assemblyperson Jen Lunsford for sponsoring these vital pieces of legislation. Lollypop Farm extends its gratitude to Assemblymember William Conrad, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, and Assemblymember Maritza Davila for cosponsoring Assembly Bill A1609, as well as Assemblymember Micah Lasher and Assemblymember John T. McDonald III for cosponsoring Assembly Bill A6602.
These legislative efforts reflect a major step forward in protecting animals across New York. They also strengthen the foundation of our humane law enforcement work, giving our officers the information, recognition, and legal support they need to do their jobs effectively.
Together, we’re creating a safer, kinder world for animals—one law at a time. Thank you for being part of this life-saving mission.
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