NY Senate Passes Two Anti-Animal Cruelty Bills

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers have passed a couple of pet-related bills while accompanied by their own pets at the Capitol.

Wednesday was the fourth annual Animal Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Lawmakers were joined by pet owners to raise awareness of the need to protect pets from violence.

In honor of Animal Advocacy Day, the Senate passed a bill that would prohibit people convicted under the animal cruelty measure called "Buster's Law" from ever owning a pet. It also would require them to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The Senate also passed a bill that would expand the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals to include harm to a companion animal during the commission of a felony.

Both bills have been sent to the Assembly.