Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today took part in Animal Advocacy Day in Albany. The day unites legislators, animal advocates, pets, and law enforcement to highlight the need for legislation to further protect and care for defenseless animals.

“Our pets are like family to many of us and Animal Advocacy Day provides us the chance to highlight some of the important issues facing our four-legged friends,” said McDonough. “Unfortunately, there are many out there who act out violently against animals, and that is why we need to be doing more for pets of all shapes and sizes. Today, and every day, I remain an ardent advocate for the safe treatment and care of our furry friends.”

Hudson was one of the many dogs in Albany to raise awareness about animal abuse. In early September 2012, he was one of three abused puppies found beaten, malnourished and abandoned on railroad tracks in Albany. The dogs had each suffered severe abuse at the hands of someone who drove nails into their feet, possibly hammering them into the tracks, according to published reports at the time. Following the incident, Hudson was fitted with a prosthetic limb to replace the leg which was amputated due to the abuse.

McDonough sponsors a number of animal-related pieces of legislation. In particular, he has drafted legislation which establishes an animal abuser registry. The legislation, Assembly Bill 2905 is currently before the Assembly Agriculture Committee.