On Tuesday, legislators and pet owners met in Chelsea to support legislation to improve pet safety in the event of animal-related catastrophes.

Cross The Road.Photo byRasheeque Ahnaf (Piash)onUnsplash

As things stand, sheep, cattle, goats, bicycles, and pedestrians are all protected by vehicle legislation. The statute, according to supporters of a new measure, is outdated.

The PAWS Act, which was introduced on Tuesday and stands for Protecting Animals Walking on the Street, will toughen punishments for drivers who kill or seriously hurt pets.

Illegal U-Turn = Penalty

New York City has more than 1.1 million domestic cats and dogs. As of right now, hitting or killing a service animal or pet with a car carries a fine equal to that of doing an illegal U-turn.

The new measure suggests raising the maximum fine for striking a pet and fleeing the scene from $100 to $500 for a first-time offense.

Under the plan, the maximum penalties for a second infraction would rise from $150 to $750, while the minimum fine would rise from $50 to $200.

From $50 To $250

Under the plan, the minimum fine for a first-time hit-and-run involving a service or guide dog would increase from $50 to $250.

The bill's co-sponsors, state senator Andrew Gounardes and assemblyman Tony Simone argue that since pets are a component of many New Yorkers' families, it is only right that they receive legal recognition as such.