Assemblyman Tony Simone, D-New York City, is taking a stand to protect pets on the road by reintroducing a bill that aims to increase penalties for those who kill a pet under an owner’s control while driving. The bill, A.10660, was previously introduced in the state Senate in 2023 and is now being brought back to the state Assembly for consideration.
In his legislative justification, Simone highlights the need for stronger penalties for reckless driving that results in the injury or death of a pet. He points out that current fines for such offenses are minimal and do not serve as an effective deterrent for drivers to remain safe around household pets. With the number of pets in New York households on the rise, Simone argues that there must be more substantial penalties in place to protect these beloved animals.
The bill proposes amending a 2010 safe driving law that requires drivers to exercise due care in the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians on the road. Simone suggests adding companion animals to the statute, with drivers found not to exercise due care around domesticated animals facing fines of up to $500 or 15 days imprisonment. Additionally, fines would be increased for those who kill a companion animal and leave the scene of an accident, with penalties ranging from $100 to $750 for first and subsequent offenses.
Simone’s bill takes a unique approach to addressing animal cruelty by focusing on the behavior of drivers rather than pet owners. By including pets under the law alongside pedestrians, cyclists, and other animals, the bill aims to hold drivers accountable for their actions on the road. The proposed legislation also seeks to increase fines for drivers who fail to stop and report incidents involving injured animals, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.
While Simone’s bill may face challenges in the state Assembly, it may find more support in the state Senate, which has recently passed several pieces of animal cruelty legislation. These bills address a range of issues related to animal welfare, including removing the term „serious“ from the definition of aggravated cruelty to animals, creating new criminal offenses related to animal fighting, and restricting surgical devocalization procedures on dogs and cats.
As the debate over animal cruelty legislation continues, Assemblyman Tony Simone’s efforts to protect pets on the road serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of companion animals in New York. By advocating for stronger penalties for reckless driving that harms pets, Simone is working to create a safer environment for both animals and their owners on the state’s roads.