Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) was honored this past weekend by the Putnam County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) during its annual Evening for Celebration held at the Putnam Golf Course ballroom in Mahopac. The event recognized local leaders and community members for their dedication to protecting animals and supporting humane law enforcement efforts in Putnam County.

This year’s honorees included New York state Sen. Pete Harckham, Assemblyman Slater, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Sergeants Alfred Pizzuto and Elizabeth Rossi, Sheriff’s Deputy Claire Pierson and reporter Eric Gross, who was celebrated for his 60 years of covering Putnam County news and events.

Slater was recognized for his legislative efforts to strengthen New York’s animal cruelty laws. Earlier this year, his bill (A.1291) was introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Peter Oberacker (R,C-51^st District). Under New York’s 2019 bail reform laws, aggravated cruelty to animals is not a bail-eligible offense, meaning offenders can be released without any safeguards in place to prevent them from harming more animals. Slater’s bill aims to close that loophole, noting the well-documented connection between animal abuse and domestic violence, with 75% of domestic violence victims reporting their abuser has harmed or threatened to harm a pet. The legislation would authorize bail for individuals charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, restoring judicial discretion in such cases.

“Animal cruelty is often a warning sign of deeper, more violent behavior, yet our state continues to turn a blind eye to that reality,” said Slater. “With Senator Oberacker’s support, we sent a clear message that New York will no longer tolerate such heinous acts. I’m honored to be recognized by the Putnam County SPCA and will keep fighting to ensure our laws reflect the seriousness of these offenses. I’m grateful for all the SPCA does to keep our communities safe.”

SPCA Chief Ken Ross and his son, Sgt. Ken Ross III, thanked Slater and attendees for their continued support of the organization’s mission to prevent animal cruelty and neglect.

Putnam County SPCA Chief Ken Ross said, “Every year, the Putnam County SPCA honors individuals at its annual dinner who have had an active role with both the PCSPCA and in our mission of preventing cruelty to animals. This year, NYS Assemblyman Matt Slater was chosen because of his continued support of the Putnam County SPCA and issues affecting animals throughout New York state. From taking time to sit with representatives of the PCSPCA and the Putnam County District Attorney’s office when he was first elected, to holding a press conference in front of the PCSPCA office, and his submission of a bill to raise felony animal cruelty to a bail-eligible offense, Assemblyman Slater has taken this cause as a mission. We are extremely grateful to Assemblyman Slater, and it has been our privilege to honor him at our dinner.”

Editor’s Note: The legislation originally introduced as bill A.1291 is now numbered A.6722, sponsored by Assemblymember Paula Kay and co-sponsored by Assemblyman Slater.