ALBANY — Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay, along with other state lawmakers, is advocating for a bill that would make aggravated animal cruelty a bail-eligible offense.

The legislation, A6722/S9231, which has bipartisan support, would allow judges to set bail in cases involving aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony offense under New York law.

Supporters of the bill argue that expanding bail eligibility in these cases would improve public safety and allow courts to respond more effectively to severe instances of abuse.

“There is a well-documented link between animal abuse and violence against people,” said State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “By allowing judges to set bail in these cases, we are giving courts the tools they need to intervene and assess the threat.”

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