Assemblyman Mike Norris from Lockport is a sponsor for legislation that would make it a crime to harm a pet while committing another crime.
The legislation, known as "Kirby and Quigley's Law" was named after two dogs that were shot by a burglar. It would intensify existing animal cruelty felony laws, punishing the criminal with two years in jail and a $5000 fine.
The bill was already passed in the state Senate earlier this year.
"No one should know the horror to coming home to find a burglary has taken place, but what makes Kirby and Quigley's story even more heartbreaking was the fact that these innocent pets were killed by the robbers who broke into, vandalized and stole from this home," said Norris. "Yes, it is paramount that we do everything we can to protect New Yorkers, but anyone who has a pet understands our laws should safeguard animals as well."
