Assemblyman Matt Slater was recognized by the Putnam County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) during its annual Evening for Celebration event at the Putnam Golf Course ballroom in Mahopac. The ceremony honored local leaders and community members who have contributed to animal protection and humane law enforcement efforts in Putnam County.
The honorees this year included State Senator Pete Harckham, Assemblyman Slater, Sergeants Alfred Pizzuto and Elizabeth Rossi from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Deputy Claire Pierson, and reporter Eric Gross, who was acknowledged for six decades of covering news in Putnam County.
Slater received recognition for his work on legislation aimed at strengthening animal cruelty laws in New York. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill (A.1291), which was brought to the state Senate by Senator Peter Oberacker. The legislation addresses a gap in New York’s 2019 bail reform laws, which do not make aggravated cruelty to animals a bail-eligible offense. This means individuals charged with such offenses can be released without safeguards to prevent further harm to animals. The proposed bill would allow courts to set bail in these cases and restore judicial discretion.
“Animal cruelty is often a warning sign of deeper, more violent behavior, yet our state continues to turn a blind eye to that reality,” said Slater. “With Senator Oberacker’s support, we sent a clear message that New York will no longer tolerate such heinous acts. I’m honored to be recognized by the Putnam County SPCA and will keep fighting to ensure our laws reflect the seriousness of these offenses. I’m grateful for all the SPCA does to keep our communities safe.”
SPCA Chief Ken Ross and Sgt. Ken Ross III thanked Slater and others present for supporting their mission against animal cruelty.
Putnam County SPCA Chief Ken Ross stated: “Every year, the Putnam County SPCA honors individuals at its annual dinner who have had an active role with both the PCSPCA and in our mission of preventing cruelty to animals. This year, NYS Assemblyman Matt Slater was chosen because of his continued support of the Putnam County SPCA and issues affecting animals throughout New York state. From taking time to sit with representatives of the PCSPCA and the Putnam County District Attorney’s office when he was first elected, to holding a press conference in front of the PCSPCA office, and his submission of a bill to raise felony animal cruelty to a bail-eligible offense, Assemblyman Slater has taken this cause as a mission. We are extremely grateful to Assemblyman Slater, and it has been our privilege to honor him at our dinner.”
According to an editor’s note provided by organizers, the legislation originally introduced as A.1291 is now numbered A.6722; it is sponsored by Assemblymember Paula Kay with Assemblyman Slater as co-sponsor.
