The state Senate marked “Animal Advocacy Day” at the state Capitol recently by passing a series of bills to protect animals, including a measure sponsored by Sen. Patty Ritchie (R-Heuvelton) that would double prison sentences for abusing an animal in the presence of a child.

“As a pet owner, I feel very strongly that it’s our responsibility to provide safe homes for our pets and protect them from abuse,” said Ritchie, a dog owner who has been teaming with local animal shelters in Central and Northern New York to promote responsible animal adoptions through her online “Pet of the Week” effort.

She represents the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur.

“An act of cruelty intended to harm an animal is heartbreaking, but it’s especially heartbreaking when animals are abused in the presence of a child. This bill seeks not only to protect their innocence, but also to safeguard animals by cracking down on those who seek to harm them.”

The bill, S.4641, would double the maximum sentence—to up to four years in prison—for animal abuse when a child is present. The measure was one of 10 bills approved by the Senate that seek to protect animals from abuse and maltreatment, and crack down on pet theft and abandonment of animals.