Bill would allow bail in aggravated animal cruelty cases 

A bipartisan proposal in Albany would allow judges to set bail for defendants charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, addressing what supporters describe as a gap in New York’s current bail laws. 

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown), who joined colleagues at a press conference backing the measure, said the bill would restore judicial discretion in handling some of the most serious animal abuse cases. 

“Aggravated cruelty to animals is a deeply disturbing crime that often signals broader patterns of violence,” Slater said. “This legislation restores common-sense judicial discretion and helps ensure that individuals accused of these heinous acts can be held accountable while awaiting trial.” 

The legislation, A.6722, would amend existing law to make aggravated animal cruelty a bail-eligible offense. Under current statutes, judges are generally unable to set bail in such cases, even when the alleged abuse is severe. 

The bill was also endorsed at the press conference by Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay and Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who said the proposal is intended to improve accountability and public safety. 

“These cases represent the most disturbing and dangerous forms of violence against animals and often involve deliberate, violent acts that can pose ongoing risks if alleged offenders are immediately released without judicial discretion to set bail,” Kay said. 

Supporters argue that the current law can result in individuals accused of extreme animal cruelty being released with only a desk appearance ticket, limiting a judge’s ability to assess risk or impose conditions. 

Robert Tendy, the Putnam County district attorney, urged lawmakers to pass the bill, pointing to links between animal abuse and other forms of violence. 

“Because of a loophole in our state laws, a person can commit the most severe cruelty against an animal and walk away with nothing more than a desk appearance ticket after arrest,” Tendy said. “This has to change.” 

Ken Ross, chief of the Putnam County SPCA, also supported the measure, calling aggravated animal cruelty “often a precursor to broader patterns of violence that threaten both animals and our communities.” 

The measure has drawn bipartisan support, and sponsors said they will continue working to advance it during the current legislative session.  

Article courtesy of Assemblyman Matt Slater’s office