Assemblyman Proposes "Peanut’s Law" to Reform Animal Seizure Protocols
Background
Pine City, N.Y. (WETM) — A New York Assemblyman from Long Island has proposed an amendment to a New York State Environmental Conservation Law aimed at reforming animal seizure protocols following the euthanization of ‘P’Nut the Squirrel’ after he was taken from his home in Pine City by DEC agents on Wednesday.
Proposed Legislation
Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz of the 15th Assembly District in Long Island announced on Saturday, Nov. 2, a proposal for an amendment called "Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act." This proposed law would amend Section 11-0512 of New York’s Environmental Conservation Law to prevent incidents like what happened to ‘P’Nut the Squirrel’ and ‘Fred the Raccoon.’
Key Provisions
The law would ensure humane treatment and due process for sanctuary animals in New York while strengthening animal rights, and animal sanctuary protections, and safeguarding public safety. Some of the key things this law puts out are:
- 72-hour waiting period: A mandatory minimum 72-hour pause before euthanizing any sanctuary animal, giving sanctuary operators time to respond, arrange veterinary care, and appeal.
- Emergency appeal rights: A dedicated DEC review board of experts will evaluate appeals within 48 hours, ensuring each case receives immediate attention.
- Clear ‘Immediate Risk’ criteria: Euthanization can only bypass the waiting period if a licensed veterinarian confirms a direct, immediate risk to public safety.
- Transparent reporting: DEC would be required to publish quarterly reports on animal seizures and release testing results within seven days if euthanization occurs.
- Sanctuary recognition: Peanut’s Law defines animal sanctuaries as registered, tax-identified entities, upholding their rights
Call to Action
Assemblyman Blumencranz addressed in a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul that there needs to be accountability in P’Nut’s case and for an investigation to be conducted.
"I urge you (Gov. Hochul) to take immediate action by launching a thorough investigation into the handling of this case and ensuring accountability," Blumencranz said. "It is essential that we work together to safeguard both the welfare of animals and the values we hold as a compassionate society," he said.
Conclusion
Assemblyman Blumencranz’s proposal aims to reform animal seizure protocols to ensure humane treatment and due process for sanctuary animals in New York. The proposed law would strengthen animal rights, and animal sanctuary protections, and safeguard public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the proposed law?
A: The proposed law aims to reform animal seizure protocols to ensure humane treatment and due process for sanctuary animals in New York.
Q: What are the key provisions of the proposed law?
A: The law proposes a 72-hour waiting period before euthanizing any sanctuary animal, emergency appeal rights, clear "Immediate Risk" criteria, transparent reporting, and sanctuary recognition.
Q: What is the significance of "Peanut’s Law"?
A: "Peanut’s Law" is a proposed law that aims to prevent incidents like the euthanization of ‘P’Nut the Squirrel’ and ‘Fred the Raccoon’ from happening in the future.
Q: Who is Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz?
A: Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz is a New York Assemblyman from Long Island who proposed the amendment to the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.
