NEW YORK — Lawmakers are advocating for the state Assembly to pass a bill the Senate approved April 9 that would protect abandoned pets.

The Senate-approved bill is sponsored by Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, and would require property owners to inspect vacated properties for abandoned pets within three days of a tenant’s departure. When an abandoned animal is found, the property owner must immediately notify animal control, the police, or an SPCA to rescue and care for it, according to the bill, which is part of a Senate legislative package coinciding with Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

“Our pets depend on us for safety, love, and survival and shouldn’t have to suffer because of their owners’ thoughtless actions,” Hinchey said after the bill passed the Senate. “I’m proud that my bill requiring vacated homes to be inspected for abandoned animals within three days of a tenant’s departure has passed the Senate today (April 9) alongside a package of legislation to protect animal welfare. Animal neglect has no place in our society, and this life-saving bill will help ensure that no animal is left behind.”

The bill is in the Assembly’s Standing Agriculture Committee awaiting a vote out of committee to the full Assembly for a vote.

Assemblyman Chris Tague, R/C-102, is in favor of the bill.

“I’m fully supportive of any initiative that continues the work of improving animal care in New York, and I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation in the state Assembly,” Tague said. “Animals are our partners and part of our families, and we have a responsibility to ensure they are treated well for the time they are with us. I’m glad to see this bill has passed in the Senate and look forward to seeing it come to the Assembly floor for debate and voting.”

“It’s our responsibility to protect and defend the voiceless, and that includes our cherished pets and animals,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-35, said. “I am very proud of the examples we are setting for animal welfare to prevent cruelty and abuse. I commend the sponsors of this bill package for their dedication to clarifying laws and bolstering protections against cruelty.”

The legislation also includes provisions to strengthen anti-slaughter laws, restrict animal devocalization, require the prompt inspection of abandoned properties for abandoned animals, clarify the law on aggravated cruelty toward animals, expand and strengthen the sale of exotic animals, and further enhance penalties for animal fighting.

The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA often receives abandoned animals, said Ron Perez, president and CEO of the organization.

“We have experienced numerous situations where animals at rental homes were left behind and the tenants neglected to notify anyone there were animals still on the property,” he said. “Often, in our two rural counties, rental homes are isolated houses without nearby neighbors who might notice and contact authorities if they suspect animals were left behind. Sometimes, these include even large animals such as horses or farm animals.”

Abandoning animals is often the result of financial struggles or veterinary care costs, Perez said.

The Humane Society offers low-cost veterinary services to the public through its clinic and health center.

“This service has been immensely popular and widely used by pet owners,” he said. “In fact, Columbia Greene Humane Society/SPCA is currently investigating the possibility of expanding the Grubin Clinic to a full-service Veterinary Hospital to serve low-income pet owners.”

The Legislation before the Assembly would get his vote and if the bill becomes law because it will help save the lives of the abandoned animal, he said.

Perez wrote a “Soft Paws” column for local publications using a former case of an abandoned animal his organization was involved in an attempt to save the dog’s life.

The case involved Barney, a cane corso dog that was abandoned on the side of the road in Columbia County.

Barney was spotted on the side of Route 23 on Jan. 25 by a passerby who stopped to help him.

The passerby thought the dog had been hit by a car as one of Barney’s legs was swollen. The dog was rushed to a veterinarian for x-rays, which revealed Barney suffered from advanced bone cancer.

“Investigators found the owner and, when questioned, he stated he abandoned Barney because he could not afford medical treatment,” Perez said.

Perez urged anyone in the Twin County area who may be facing financial difficulties, or having to make decisions regarding their pets, to contact the Humane Society for help finding options.

The abandonment of a dog is a misdemeanor crime punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, or by a fine up to $1,000, according to state law.

State police and animal control officers in both Catskill and Greenport, did not immediately respond to phone calls for comment. Assembly member Didi Barrett, D-106, also did not immediately respond.

For more information on the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA’s services, call 518-828-6044 or visit its website at www.cghs.org.