A bill to strengthen penalties for pet accidents has been introduced in the New York State Assembly. The bill (S.9915/A10660, also known as the PAWS Act), recently introduced in the state Senate and Assembly by State Senator Andrew Gounares (Democrat) and State Assembly Member Tony Simon (Democrat), would impose a fine of up to $500 and up to 15 days in jail for drivers who hit and injure or kill pets or domestic and companion animals on the roadway.
Considering that the existing fine for injuring or killing a pet in a traffic accident is up to $50, this is a tenfold increase, and expectations are growing that the bill will further strengthen pet protection, especially with the addition of jail time.
According to these lawmakers, there are currently over 1.1 million pets in New York City, including dogs and cats, and various pet-related accidents are constantly occurring, making it urgent to enact a pet protection law. The bill also includes a provision that if a guide dog or assistance dog is hit and run, a fine of up to $550 for the first offense and up to $700 for the second offense is imposed.
The livestock and pets specified in the bill refer to all animals raised by humans, including dogs, cats, rabbits, sheep, cows, and goats.