Speak Up for Animals
- Details
- Category: Get Involved
Help Strengthen Buster's Law
Please download this petition and share it with others. Assembly bill A9912 would allow pet horses to be clearly included as companion animals under Buster's Law, facilitate aggravated cruelty prosecution of horse abusers, and place restrictions on those who have been convicted of animal abuse from owning animals in the future. A8444 increases certain penalties for violating the prohibition of animal fighting and for aggravated cruelty to animals and requires a psychiatric evaluation for defendants convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals.
Report Cruelty or Neglect
Crimes against animals often go unpunished because they are not reported. In addition, laws pertaining to animals are sometimes misunderstood, even by authorities who are charged with enforcing them. For that reason, those who care about animals need to be familiar with the laws intended to protect animals and know who to contact for help.
Schenectady Police Department
To report an act of animal cruelty or neglect, call (518) 382-5263.
For an EMERGENCY situation regarding cruelty or neglect, call 911.
Note: Animal control officers may be able to assist in gathering information and evidence, but they cannot investigate cruelty. This is a police responsibility. If you are asked to call animal control, politely inform the person you are speaking with that an animal control officer cannot investigate your claim.
Schenectady County SPCA
(518) 755-9517
Resources
Alley Cat Allies offers guidance on how to manage stray and feral cats
SCRUFF - Spaying Capital Region Unknown Felines - is a local resource for trap, neuter and return
How to Investigate Animal Cruelty In New York State
(a comprehensive manual that can be downloaded)
New York State Humane Association (NYSHA)
Resources on various cruelty and neglect topics
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Animal Law in New York State
New York State Bar Association
If you need immediate guidance, please contact Marguerite Pearson, Director of Communications,
at (518) 374-3944, ext. 113 or
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Reporting Animal Cruelty: What Caring Citizens Need to Know
This program is for anyone with a concern for animals. It will provide an overview of animal cruelty law, practical advice on gathering evidence, and who to contact for help. Presented by Sheila McGee, APF volunteer and animal advocate.
Vist our Events Page to learn when and where this program will be presented next, or to request a presentation.
Wildlife Questions
The APF cannot take in wildlife. However you may call us at 374-3944, ext. 101 for information and contact numbers for wildlife organizations and rehabilitators. You may also call the North Country Wild Care hotline at (518) 964-6740.
Care of Young Wildlife
You’ve found a baby bird on the ground. What do you do? This guide by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation offers great advice on what to and not to do. If you care, leave them there!
Deceased Stray or Wild Animals
If you have found a deceased stray animal, contact your city or town hall for removal. If you have found deceased wildlife, you may also want to contact your local health department. In Schenectady County, call (518) 386-2818.
