NY Bill Seeks Tougher Penalties for Drivers Who Harm or Kill Pets

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Pet owners and lawmakers gathered on Tuesday to back the PAWS Act, a new piece of legislation aimed at increasing penalties for drivers who injure or kill pets in New York. The proposed law, formally known as the Protecting Animals Walking on the Street Act, seeks to address gaps in the current vehicle law, which supporters argue is outdated.

Currently, New York’s vehicle law provides protection for pedestrians, cyclists, and certain domestic animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats. However, there are no specific provisions for pets like dogs and cats. The PAWS Act, introduced by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Tony Simone, aims to change that.

“There are over 1.1 million household dogs and cats in New York City. It’s time the law reflects the value that these animals hold for their families,” said Gounardes. “We don’t do enough to protect people on our streets from road violence, and we certainly don’t do enough to protect our four-legged friends.”

Under the current law, hitting or killing a pet with a vehicle results in a fine equivalent to an illegal U-turn, around $50 to $100. The PAWS Act proposes to increase the maximum penalty to $500 for a first-time offense of hitting a pet and leaving the scene. For a second offense, the minimum fine would increase from $50 to $200, with the maximum penalty rising from $150 to $750.

For incidents involving service or guide dogs, the stakes are even higher. The bill proposes raising the minimum fine for a first-time hit-and-run involving these animals from $50 to $250.

“We often hear that pets are family, and this bill treats them as such under the law,” said Simone, co-sponsor of the bill. “We must ensure that there are real consequences for harming these animals who provide so much support and love to their owners.”

Pet owner Jason Dilmanian echoed these sentiments. “It’s not just cars, it could be any kind of vehicle, like scooters or electric bikes. People can be reckless, and the fact that the penalty was so low if someone were to hit or kill a dog was really surprising,” he said.

The bill is expected to be voted on in the next legislative session, which is scheduled for next year. Lawmakers and supporters are hopeful that the legislation will pass, bringing increased protections for pets and holding drivers more accountable for their actions on the road.

The PAWS Act reflects a growing recognition of the importance of companion animals in the lives of New Yorkers. As the legislative process continues, the bill’s supporters are encouraging pet owners to advocate for its passage by contacting their local representatives.

“We need to make sure that the protections afforded to certain animals under current law are extended to our pets,” said Gounardes. “The harm caused to them is just as great as if it were to happen to a child, a senior, a parent, an adult — and it should be a lot more than a $50 fine.”