Push for Stronger Animal Safety Laws in New York
Bruce Blakeman, a candidate for governor in New York, is advocating for enhanced protections for animals following the rescue of 155 neglected dogs and cats from a disturbing situation on Long Island.
At a press conference in Nassau County, where he is an established animal rights advocate, Blakeman joined forces with the Glen Cove City Animal Shelter and the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The urgency of their appeal came after the arrest of a Glen Cove resident who was found to be keeping over 150 animals in appalling conditions.
“It’s crucial that we ensure these animals are not neglected or abused and receive the care they need,” Blakeman emphasized, referring to the bleak circumstances in which the animals were discovered. The Republican candidate pointed out that the woman was allegedly using the animals for financial gain.
“What we needed at that moment was the capability to step in, help them, and find new homes,” he explained.
Among the rescued animals were two dogs.
Rob Becerra, an animal rights activist and commentator, echoed Blakeman’s concerns, arguing for the establishment of a state-level Department of Animal Welfare. “This would help tackle issues like illegal breeding and various forms of abuse,” he stated, drawing attention to shocking incidents he had encountered.
“We have a moral obligation to protect the most vulnerable among us,” he added.
Becerra didn’t hold back in critiquing the current administration, asserting that Gov. Cathy Hochul’s team appears disconnected from the realities of animal abuse. He recounted a previous interaction with the lieutenant governor, whom he felt reacted with indifference to a particularly brutal case involving a dog.
Blakeman’s initiative to bolster animal safety laws was sparked by the recent arrest of Alena Horbatko, whose living environment was described as hazardous by her own daughter. Following Horbatko’s arrest on June 8, the SPCA confirmed the rescue of 153 cats and two dogs from her deteriorating home.
While the SPCA operates independently from government oversight, its capabilities in addressing animal welfare issues are somewhat limited.
A veteran from the Cove Animal Shelter remarked on the challenges they face, mentioning how they had tried numerous times to intervene legally. “The law seems to sometimes be on both sides,” she reflects, hoping for future legal changes that would more favorably impact animal welfare.
The Nassau County SPCA collaborates with local shelters and pet stores to ensure rescued animals, like Ally, an 11-month-old German shepherd, find permanent homes. Ally was also at the press conference, representing hope for similar animals in distress.
Following her guilty plea to multiple charges, including animal cruelty and reckless endangerment, Horbatko has been prohibited from owning animals. She is set to return to court on August 10.
