Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) today attended a press conference advocating for legislation known as “Kirby & Quigley’s Law.” The bill, which Ra co-sponsors, is named after two dogs that were shot and killed during a robbery in Montgomery County in February of this year.

Unfortunately, the case is still unsolved and the family remains devastated. This bill would enhance the penalty for acts of animal cruelty performed while committing other crimes.

“It’s difficult to put into words how cruel a person must be to harm an animal,” said Ra. “Animals, typically pets, are too often victims of unfortunate circumstances. They happen to be in the place that a crime is being committed and acts of violence against the animal occur as a result. The way the law is currently written, there is no additional price to be paid for harming an animal while committing a separate crime. This bill would rightfully change that.”

The Senate has already passed “Kirby & Quigley’s” law three times. The last time the bill passed the Senate, it was by an overwhelming 59-1 margin.

“The Senate has already done its part, and now I encourage my colleagues in the Assembly to follow. Our pets are a part of our family, and deserve the same protections that we have. With greater penalties in place for animal cruelty, we would see the deterrence of such crimes, and a safer state overall,” Ra concluded.