Newfane, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt is leading an effort to amend burglary laws in the state to include unlawfully entering or remaining on farmland with intent to commit a crime.
Ortt is being joined by Senator George Borrell and Assemblyman Michael Norris in the effort that comes days after Niagara County officials warned of the possibility of livestock theft and an incident in which 50 chickens went missing from a farm in Hartland.
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The changes in burglary law would target those who enter farmland to steal livestock and create severe penalties for stealing such livestock. Under the proposed bill, such offenses would be punishable by 3.5 to 15 years in prison, followed by 2.5 to 5 years of post-release supervision. Offenders could also be charged with the appropriate level of larceny depending on the value of the livestock stolen.
"Their way of life is under attack," Ortt said Saturday during a press briefing on a Newfane Farm.
Law enforcement officials were recently made aware of a meeting by a group of advocates to actively recruit individuals to steal livestock from local farmers. According to reports, the meeting included how to research locations, how to steal the animals, and tips to help them win in court if caught and convicted.
Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti alerted the livestock community of the threat via social media. "There is a rule of law here in Niagara County and we're not going to tolerate people coming onto your farms, stealing, letting your livestock out."
"These are not advocates, these are criminals," Ortt emphasized. "It's bad enough our farms have been under attack, policy-wise from Albany, from economic factors, from the pandemic. Now they have to deal with a group whose sole goal is to put them out of business."
The advocates believed to be responsible for the threat to livestock are said to be acting on behalf of animal welfare. "Family farms have well cared for animals that would be traumatized if they were taken from their environment and caretakers," Borrello said. "People who are truly committed to protecting animals should direct their energies where they are truly needed by volunteering at local shelters."
