DRIVERS could face a new steep $750 fine under a proposed legislation aimed at protecting pets on the street.
Lawmakers in New York City have introduced the Paws Act, a bill seeking to punish drivers and repeat offenders who harm or kill service animals or pets while on the road.
A closeup shot of a dog on the back seat of a car with his head out of the window[/caption]
Currently, road laws in the Big Apple protect pedestrians, cyclists, and animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats.
But now, city officials are looking to pass a new enhanced bill dubbed the Paws Act, which stands for Protecting Animals Walking on the Street.
Under the proposed legislation, penalties against offenders would increase when a driver injures or kills a pet.
“Over one million pets call New York home, and they play an important role in our lives, whether they be service animals, guide dogs, or just members of the family,” New York State Senator Andrew Goundares said.
“But right now, our traffic law treats them like disposable property.
“The Paws Acts recognizes the dignity and value of these nonhuman New Yorkers, and ensures our laws send a clear message to reckless drivers: paws your vehicle to let pets pass.”
The proposed bill would increase the maximum penalty from $100 to $500 for striking a pet and leaving the scene for first-time offenders.
The legislation would also increase the minimum fine from $50 to $00 for a second violation.
The maximum fine under the bill would also rise from $150 to $750 for a second-time offense.
Drivers involved in hit-and-run incidents involving a service or guide dog would see the minimum fine go up from $50 to $250 for a first-time violation.
These animals are a lifeline and the penalties for harming one should be more than the price of a parking ticket.
Assembly Member Harvey Epstein.
“Pets are much more than just animals,” New York Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said.
“They are companions, members of our families, and in the case of service animals they are a crucial resource that disabled New Yorkers need to live their everyday lives.
“But right now the lives of those animals are dramatically undervalued and as a result they are suffering from the same traffic violence that is plaguing all New Yorkers but getting none of the attention or legal protection humans get.”
Hoylman-Sigal added, “That changes with the Paws Act, which will increase the penalties for injuries or killing companion animals in car crashes.”
Pet owner Jason Dilmanian underscored the importance of including scooters and electric bikes in the list of potential offenders who could face fines.
“It’s not just cars, it could be any kind of vehicle, it could be scooters, electric bikes, but with some of those vehicles especially, people can be reckless, but also with cars,” Dilmanian told ABC affiliate WABC-TV.
“The fact that the penalty was so low if someone were to hit or kill a dog, that was really surprising.”
The bill is expected to be voted on in the next legislative session in 2025.
“Our pets are members of our family,” Assembly Member Harvey Epstein said.
“Nearly every day for the past 10 years, I have walked my rescue dog Homer through the East Village.
“Reckless driving endangers their lives and the current penalties do not adequately account for the damage done.
“Especially for people with disabilities, these animals are a lifeline and the penalties for harming one should be more than the price of a parking ticket.”
