Assemblyman who was driving force behind Buster’s Law applauds Governor Cuomo’s signing of legislation Tedisco sponsored to increase penalties for killing police animals

Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) today announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed into law legislation that was on the agenda for Tedisco’s NYS Animal Advocacy Day on June 4th to make the killing of a police dog or a police horse while it is performing its duties a class E felony. It is currently a Class A misdemeanor. The new law takes effect on November 1, 2013.

Tedisco was a co-sponsor of the bill (A.2596A/S.1079A), known as “Ape’s Law” and named after a K-9 that lost its life in Herkimer County protecting others. Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski (D-Rockland County) was the main sponsor in the Assembly and Senator George D. Maziarz (R-Niagara County) carried the bill in the Senate.

“First and foremost, we must remember and protect our brave police officers and first responders who time after time put their lives on the line to keep us safe. While no one law can stop a madman, we have an obligation as a government to protect all members of our family especially those who have no voice,” said Tedisco, who was the driving force behind passage of the landmark Buster’s Law, which created the felony crime of animal cruelty.

“When Seal Team Six took out Osama Bin Laden, a dog was with those brave Navy Seals in that historic raid. There are even dogs that can tell if someone with diabetes needs insulin. Our four-legged friends are part of our families and provide us with unconditional love and enhance our lives and public safety,” said Tedisco.

“This is a victory for our four-legged animals, our security and the security of the men and women who protect us in law enforcement. By making them more secure, they make us more secure” said Tedisco.

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