New York Senator Advocates for Stricter Animal Cruelty Penalties Following Bronx Man’s Fire-Setting Incident Involving Pitbull Puppy – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
4:00 PM – Monday, April 7, 2025
A legislator in New York is calling for tougher penalties for those convicted of animal cruelty offenses following a disturbing incident involving a 34-year-old man who allegedly set a pit bull puppy “on fire” after neglecting it without food or water for an entire week.
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The accused, Bronx resident Christopher Maxwell, was taken into custody in March for supposedly igniting the dog. He faces charges that include aggravated cruelty to animals, arson, and criminal mischief.
Buster’s Law, established in New York in 1999, classifies any serious physical harm inflicted on a pet as a felony.
The legislation was named in memory of a cat named Buster, who was set on fire, leading to public outrage and over 100,000 signatures demanding stricter sentencing for animal cruelty.
Senator Jim Tedisco (R-N.Y.) is advocating for a new felony category under Buster’s Law, termed “aggravated cruelty to animals,” which would carry a potential sentence of up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
“We must recognize that this issue extends beyond just animals,” Tedisco remarked.
“These behaviors can harm people, and we need to ensure that the so-called reforms in our criminal justice system acknowledge that. You can pass all the legislation you want, but…” he added.
Senator Monica R. Martinez (D-N.Y.) has also previously advocated for stricter penalties for animal abuse, noting: “Each time we encounter these abuse cases, we are reminded that our laws against inhumane actions have not always kept pace with the depravity exhibited by certain individuals. Unfortunately, we once again find ourselves in a position calling for the strengthening of animal abuse legislation following another shocking instance of cruelty.”
Maxwell is scheduled to appear in Albany City Criminal Court on March 21st.
Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that individuals with a history of animal abuse often show higher scores on psychopathy scales, suggesting a correlation between animal cruelty and psychopathic traits such as a lack of empathy and remorse.
Furthermore, studies have indicated that children’s acts of animal abuse are linked with bullying, corporal punishment, school shootings, sexual abuse, and certain psychopathic behaviors, according to nationallinkcoalition.org.
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