VESTAL, NY (WSKG) - Southern Tier Congressman Anthony Brindisi held a press conference at the Broome County Humane Society to highlight his efforts to end animal cruelty.
Brindisi represents New York's 22nd district, which includes Binghamton, Norwich and Cortland.
One of Brindisi’s bills would close a gap in federal animal cruelty laws. He said current law doesn’t go far enough.
"Federal law already prohibits animal fighting, as well as the creation of videos of animals being crushed, burned, or subjected to other forms of cruelty, but the underlying cruelty itself is not banned," Brindisi said.
The legislation would create a federal anti-cruelty statute.
Brindisi is also a co-sponsor of a bill that would set new requirements for commercial dog breeders. Right now, breeders can keep puppies in questionable conditions while still being in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.
Earlier this week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation making it so emergency responders are not liable for any damage to cars when saving an animal.