ALBANY, NY – New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal today announced that legislation they sponsor to expand New York’s temporary extreme risk protection order (TERPO) law has been signed by the Governor. The legislation (S5514/A6556) allows courts to consider evidence of animal cruelty when deciding whether to temporarily remove firearms from someone deemed a danger to themselves or others. ​​

Previously, judges could issue a TERPO based on threats of violence, reckless use or brandishing of firearms, recent or ongoing substance abuse, and other factors at their discretion. Hinchey and Rosenthal’s bill explicitly adds animal cruelty to this list, which reflects well-documented research, including FBI findings, that animal abuse is a predictive crime often linked to violence against humans. The National Sheriffs' Association similarly reports that 88% of families investigated for physical child abuse also reported instances of animal cruelty.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Animal cruelty is often a warning sign of escalating violence, and a tactic used to control victims of domestic abuse. Allowing our courts to consider animal cruelty in extreme risk protection cases can help disrupt cycles of harm and save lives. This new law gives courts and law enforcement stronger tools to keep New Yorkers safe, and I thank Governor Hochul for signing our legislation.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “All too often, perpetrators of domestic violence will hurt or threaten to harm a victim's pet in order to instill fear and prevent a victim from leaving. People who have the capacity to harm animals often do not stop there, and our courts must understand this warning sign of the potential for future violence. I am grateful that this legislation has been signed into law, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so that animal cruelty crimes will now be on the list of factors that judges will consider when determining if a person should no longer have access to firearms."

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said, "This legislation recognizes the established connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence and empowers judges to consider this evidence when considering whether to issue a TERPO. Senator Hinchey is a staunch supporter of common-sense public safety measures, and I applaud her leadership in strengthening local tools to protect tour communities.”

Leah Feldman, CEO of Family Services, said, “As a provider of supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, Family Services sees firsthand how cruelty to animals can be both a form of abuse and a warning sign of escalating violence. Recognizing animal cruelty within extreme risk protection laws is a critical step toward preventing future harm and keeping our neighbors, families, and communities safe. We thank Senator Hinchey and Assemblymember Rosenthal for their leadership and commitment to protecting victims and strengthening safety across our region and state, and Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”

Connie Neal, Executive Director, New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said, “The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supports A.6556/S.5514 because it recognizes the clear link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. Abusers who harm or threaten pets are more likely to use violence against their partners. When judges consider animal cruelty in deciding whether to remove guns from abusers, they recognize a critical warning sign of escalating violence. By ensuring that judges consider animal cruelty when deciding whether to issue an Extreme Risk Order of Protection (ERPO), we can help prevent further harm and save lives. This is a vital step toward protecting survivors of domestic violence. We applaud Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Hinchey for their leadership on this issue and thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”

Lauren Schuster, Vice President of Government Affairs at Urban Resource Institute, said, "Urban Resource Institute (URI) is New York’s first and largest provider of pet-inclusive shelters for survivors of domestic violence and their families through its pioneering People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program. Pets are part of the family, and we see every day the impact that violence has on people and their pets. Fifty Percent of survivors will not leave a dangerous or abusive situation if they must leave their pets behind. That is because pets are often the object of abuse and research shows that violence against animals often escalates to violence against people. Recognizing animal abuse as a factor when granting an extreme risk order of protection is a powerful step forward — it acknowledges the clear link between violence toward pets and people and strengthens safety for survivors and the animals they love. URI is deeply grateful to Assemblymember Rosenthal and State Senator Hinchey for their dogged advocacy for survivors and their pets. They have led the pack for years and long set the pace in advancing safety, compassion, and justice for all.”

Help is available, and you are not alone. Contact the Center for Victim Safety and Support at Family Services:

• 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 845-485-5550
• Chat Line: By text: 845-583-0800 or visit www.resourceconnect.com/cvss/chat