Tedisco and Senate Pass “Kirby & Quigley’s Law” to Protect Pets, People

As the State Senate today passed “Kirby & Quigley’s Law” by a 59-2 vote, Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville), the author and lead sponsor of the bill, has announced a new online petition drive to harness the power of the people to urge the Assembly to bring the public safety measure to the Floor of the New York State Assembly for a debate and up or down vote. 

“Kirby & Quigley’s Law” was named for two Montgomery County dogs that were shot and killed during a burglary nearly one year ago which is still an unsolved case. The bill (S.1680/A.3038) would make it a Buster’s Law animal cruelty law felony, punishable with two years in jail and a $5,000 fine, for harming a companion animal during the commission of another felony. This enhanced penalty ensures that perpetrators are charged with felony animal cruelty charges when they face other felonies such as burglary. Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly.

“The Krohn family are true heroes in helping to get this bill passed as they have turned their terrible tragedy into something positive to help others. We must always remember that animal cruelty is a bridge crime and a top tier Group A offense for the FBI when it comes to crime reporting. There’s no question that anyone who would invade a home and assassinate two loving dogs in cold blood would harm a human being,” said Tedisco. “The Senate has passed ‘Kirby and Quigley’s Law’ five years in a row and now it’s time for the Assembly to bring justice to the Krohn family and to the memory of Kirby and Quigley by enabling this bi-partisan legislation to come to the Floor of the Assembly for a debate and up or down vote.”  

“My family and I are changed people due to the tragedy that occurred at our home on February 17, 2016.  The heinous crime of killing our dogs Kirby and Quigley during the robbery of our home will be with us forever. Our lives are now defined by the time before Kirby and Quigley were murdered in our home and after this tragedy. Every day, our family agonizes over the fact that the criminals who did this may never be punished for murdering our pets. Our mission now is to advocate for this bi-partisan bill sponsored by Senators Tedisco and Amedore and Assemblyman Santabarbara in hopes that another family may have some relief knowing there is a law in place to protect our companion animals and humans from harm.  We advocate for ‘Kirby and Quigley’s Law’ in honor of all animals who do not have a voice,” said Denise Krohn, who was on-hand as the Senate passed the bill which has been named in honor of her family’s dogs.

The online petition to urge for the bill’s passage in the Assembly can be found at www.tedisco.nysenate.gov.