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Senator Oberacker eyes down animal abuse loophole

Vincent Kurzrock
Posted 2/4/25

LIBERTY — A five-month-old puppy named Cassidy was found injured in December, prompting Monticello Police to respond after reports of distressing sounds were heard from the animal, according to …

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Senator Oberacker eyes down animal abuse loophole

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LIBERTY — A five-month-old puppy named Cassidy was found injured in December, prompting Monticello Police to respond after reports of distressing sounds were heard from the animal, according to authorities.

According to Monticello Police Chief David Lindsay, Reynolds’ case was adjourned for a couple weeks and Reynolds was released on own recognizance (ROR).

The reported offender, Raleigh Reynolds, 34, has been charged with felony aggravated cruelty to an animal and was taken into custody. 

Ferndale’s Catskill Animal Rescue’s Joanne Gerow brought Cassidy, the injured puppy, to receive immediate medical attention. 

She stated at the time that Cassidy had a critical  condition prognosis.

He was transferred to Guardian Specialists in Brewster and following expensive and intensive care, the prognosis became good. The dog was adopted by one of their vet techs.

 Because of a legal loophole in the bail reform law that could allow someone accused of felony animal cruelty to leave without posting bail, she was upset at the time of the arrest.

New York State Senator Peter Oberacker stated that he would back a bill to close that loophole. The bill will specifically target aggravated animal abuse as defined under Section 353-A of New York’s Agriculture & Markets Law — a felony. 

“I credit Joanne Gerow and her incredible team at Catskill Animal Rescue for their tireless advocacy on this pressing issue,” stated Oberacker. “This case revealed a chilling reality: had the abuser not been on parole, he would have received nothing more than an appearance ticket giving him the freedom to perpetuate his cycle of cruelty.”

He stressed that this case underscored an urgent need to address a dangerous loophole that keeps vulnerable animals unprotected and emboldens abusers.

Oberacker says that in New York State, people who commit certain minor offenses, which are not violent crimes or crimes against children, get appearance tickets instead of being punished right away.

“This loophole enables perpetrators of heinous acts, like aggravated animal abuse, to walk free and often repeat their crimes,” stated Oberacker’s office. “Bail reform has turned a blind eye to these offenders. Recent FBI statistics reveal that animal abuse frequently precedes severe acts of violence, including domestic violence, assault, and even murder. By neglecting to address this pattern, we jeopardize not only innocent animals but also the safety of our communities.”

Additionally, his broader goal is to reintroduce judicial discretion for these cases, ensuring that such severe crimes “receive the gravity of response they demand”.

The bill restores judicial discretion by amending the criminal procedure law, enabling judges to set bail for those charged with aggravated animal abuse. 

Oberacker has already engaged with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the State Senate and Assembly. He stresses that the issue transcends party lines and he is optimistic that he will gain support.

“Passing statewide legislation in New York as a Republican is always an uphill battle, but the overwhelming need to close this loophole should resonate with my Democratic colleagues. Animal abuse is not a partisan issue,” explained Oberacker. “I urge all constituents to visit my State Senate website at https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1648 and voice their support of this bill. Additionally, I encourage citizens to contact their local Assembly Members and voice their support for this vital legislation.”

The bill is currently in the codes committee and has been introduced in the State Senate and Assembly. 

 

Cassidy doing well

When speaking with the Democrat, Gerow stated that Cassidy is reportedly adjusting and performing “very well” in his new home.

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