LESNIAK TO FORM COURT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION FOR ATTORNEYS TO REPRESENT ANIMALS IN CRUELTY CRIMES

Former State Senator Raymond Lesniak is calling on attorneys to volunteer to provide 25 hours a year representing the interests of animals in animal cruelty crimes. Out of state and retired attorneys and law students are eligible to join. The organization will become effective once S2868, sponsored by Senators Scutari and Addiego and A4533 sponsored by Assembly members Mukherji and Quijano, becomes law.

Lesniak explained that animals experience pain and fear and are to be treated humanely. “This legislation will give voice to the voiceless and raise awareness of the gravity of animal cruelty,” explained Lesniak.

Under the legislation the court may order an advocate be appointed to represent the best interests of and justice for the animal. The advocate shall attend hearings, share with attorneys for the state and defense counsel any information concerning the condition of the animal and the defendant’s actions and present recommendations to the court that relate to the best interests of the animal and justice. Similar legislation, named Desmond’s Law, has been enacted in Connecticut.

Any lawyers or law students interested in volunteering should email CAAP@LesniakInstitute.org