Dogs’ deaths spur outrage

Finger Lakes Times:

ROMULUS - It’s a case that’s caused a wave of reaction near and afar.

In July, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report, the owner of the Black Diamond Acres dog breeding kennel admitted to an animal health inspector that he took the lives of 93 dogs in his care by poisoning them with carbon monoxide generated by a small gas engine.

Exhaust fumes from the engine were piped into a small enclosure inside the barn where the dogs were kept, the report said.

David Yoder, a member of the area’s growing Amish population, had been in the business of producing small breed dogs for the past few years.

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Romulus Town Supervisor David Kaiser quickly reacted to the situation that has drawn national attention.

“Like most of our community, I am outraged by these allegations. This story is a horrible reminder that state and federal oversight of these facilities is incredibly lax and may cause needless suffering to innocent animals,” Kaiser said.

“Several years ago [the town] took the initiative to regulate dangerous puppy mills, by enacting a new zoning law that required breeders to treat animals humanely. That law has been used by other communities as a model to fight the public health threats caused by mistreated pets. Our town will continue to push for fair treatment for our companion animals,” he said.

Town Attorney Steven Getman will be consulted to determine whether any violations of the town’s zoning law occurred...Kaiser said.

Many Families to be Impacted by Changes in New York Laws

OVID, NY--Attorney Steven Getman is urging New York State residents to became aware of recent changes to state law which may impact them or their families.

According to Getman, these changes include the following legislation:

• Allowing No-fault Divorce in New York.
• Revising the New York State Power of Attorney rules.
• Authorizing Family Court judges to issue orders of protection for witnesses in domestic abuse cases.
• Requiring employers to give same-sex couples the same funeral leave benefit for a death in the family as other couples.
• Providing domestic workers with industry-specific protections and labor standards.
• Enhancing protections for consumers in case a health insurer or health maintenance organization (HMO) discontinues a class of policies or contracts.

According to Getman, more information on each law may be available here.

“These new laws, once they take effect, have the potential to dramatically impact several aspects of New Yorker’s lives,” Getman explained.

“As with any laws, persons who believe they may be affected should consider consulting with a qualified attorney of their own choosing to discuss their rights and potential responsibilities.”