There is a bill called the "Buster Bill" which is being considered in both the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate. Jim Tedisco, the Assemblyman who introduced the bill has sent a copy of a sample letter to be sent to representatives, senators and the governor. There are also petitions circulating and if anyone would like a copy of one they may write to pijo@localnet.com to receive one. We are asking for your support for this bill, as it is one step toward making certain that things like what happened to Buster and Cindy need never happen again. SAMPLE LETTER (sent to me by Jim Tedisco) Dear _________________: I am writing to respectfully request your support for Assembly Bill 8856/Senate Bill 5971, better known as the "Buster Bill", which has been authored by Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, introduced by Senator Hugh Farley, and sponsored by more than twenty lawmakers. [TO YOUR LEGISLATORS: If you are currently a sponsor, I thank you and urge your continued efforts to gain passage of this legislation. If you are not a sponsor, please become one today!] This legislation increases the designation of animal cruelty from a misdemeanor to a Class E felony; makes repeat offenses a Class D felony; provides for a psychological evaluation, and treatment where appropriate; and allows the courts to track youthful offenders who perpetrate such crimes. Animal abuse, in and of itself, is a heinous crime that must not be tolerated under any circumstances. But there is more. Documented studies prove that there is a substantial link between violence toward humans and violence towards animals. It makes sense that any person who wantonly inflicts inhuman torture on another species lacks empathy for other sentient beings and is at risk for perpetrating violence on their fellow citizens. Abuse towards animals can be seen as a predictor of other violent crimes, such as child abuse, spousal abuse and other anti-social behaviors. Everyone benefits when we insist on the strong enforcement of animal cruelty prevention laws. With strong legislation, it is possible for us to send a clear message that cruelty, especially the deplorable, unspeakable type of cruelty inflicted on Buster the Cat, will not be tolerated in New York. That said, I strongly urge you to support efforts to make the "Buster Bill" the "Buster Law". Thank you for your attention to this matter Sincerely, YOUR NAME (Buster was a cat in the Albany/Schenectady area who went through virtually the same thing as our Cindy. He also did not make succumbed to his injuries) _________________________ ______________________________ Governor George E. Pataki Assembly Minority Leader John Faso Executive Chamber 933 Legislative Office Building Capital Albany, NY 12248 Albany, NY 12224 Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Senate Minority Leader Martin Connor 909 Legislative Office Building 932 Legislative Office Building Albany, NY 12247 Albany, NY 12248 Senate Minority Leader Martin Connor 907 Legislative Office Building Albany, NY 12247 ___________________________ Please also write to your local representatives—you are free to use Assembly Tadesco's sample with or without your own changes. Just remember that the cut-off date is APRIL 30TH. Thanks all for your support, both with the Cindy page and on the above legislation.
You can download this letter in Word® format here. It is in a zip file, and does not have the addresses included.