Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) a co-sponsor of “Buster’s Bill II,” would make the use of animals in the commission of a crime a felony offense, punishable by up to two years in prison.

This bill is a direct response to the horrific case of 10 purebred puppies that had their stomachs cut open and stuffed with packets of heroin to be smuggled into the United States from Colombia.

“The use of animals to carry illegal drugs into this country is not only cruel but an attempt by smugglers to skirt existing laws,” said McDonough. “Criminals adapt their techniques for smuggling illegal drugs, so we need to adapt our laws to reflect their changes and protect these defenseless animals from being abused.”

The original Buster’s Bill, proposed by Assemblyman James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) and signed into law in 1999, created the crime of “aggravated cruelty to animals,” punishable by up to two years in prison. The bill was named for an 18-month old cat that was doused with kerosene and burned to death in Schenectady, noted McDonough.

Prior to “Buster’s Bill” becoming law, animal cruelty resulted in misdemeanor charges, if any charges were filed at all.