Government

Harckham’s Bill to Help SPCA Police Fight Animal Cruelty Passes Unanimously in Senate

Published

9 months ago

March 6, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that his bipartisan legislation to aid the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in its longstanding efforts in bringing people to justice who deliberately maim and kill animals was passed unanimously in the Senate.

Harckham’s legislation (S.1182) will permit SPCA officers statewide to have access to the live scan fingerprinting system used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. The fingerprinting access will allow the SPCA officers to complete the arrest procedures without the assistance of any other law enforcement personnel or agencies, which will save time and ensure that accused individuals do not evade justice. Currently, most SPCA officers in New York must process their arrests through other law enforcement agencies.

“SPCA police officers need to have the full resources that will help them in their mission to protect defenseless pets and other animals from cruelty and neglect,” said Harckham. “With live scan fingerprinting technology at their ready, these officers can know immediately if accused individuals have a history of animal abuse or are wanted for other violent crimes. This streamlining of the policing process will benefit our communities in countless ways while bringing greater justice to animals everywhere.”

According to Humane Society International, 85% of people arrested for animal abuse or cruelty have had multiple past arrests, an overwhelming majority of them felonies. Also, 70% of those who committed domestic violence were also found to be animal abusers.

Community

Rockland Repair Café Residents Can Bring Broken Items To Be Fixed For Free

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

This event brings together skilled volunteer Repair Coaches and residents seeking to repair household items. Participants are invited to bring items such as lamps, clothing, small appliances, wooden items, small furniture, toys, and electronics for evaluation and repair.

Items powered by gas engines (e.g., lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other gas-powered landscaping equipment) are not eligible for repair. Additionally, computers and digital devices will not be repaired at this event.

Repair Coaches will evaluate and fix items for free, provided the necessary materials are on hand. These talented volunteers are eager to share their expertise, preserving the art of repair while fostering community connections.

“The ability to fix and repair items is becoming a lost art,” said County Executive Ed Day. “The Repair Café not only celebrates this essential skill but also encourages its transfer to the younger generation, ensuring these talents continue to thrive in Rockland County. Events like this reduce landfill waste, foster sustainability, and strengthen our community ties.”

The Rockland Repair Café is a free, youth-friendly event made possible through the support of Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, a program of the Rockland County Youth Bureau, along with Rockland Green, Pearl River United Methodist Church, and the Pearl River Library. Volunteer Repair Coaches from Woodcraft & Willow and IBEW LU 363 will also participate.

For more information, or to confirm if a Repair Coach can fix your item, please call Kathy Galione at (845) 364-2932, or email [email protected].

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Pearl River United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Avenue, Pearl River, NY

Government

UPDATE: Brush Fire At Rockland Lake

Published

2 days ago

November 18, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

George Hoehmann, Town Supervisor Clarkstown has provided an update as of 11:45AM, Sunday November 17th on the brush fire in Rockland Lake State Park along the Hudson River. Numerous fire departments are on scene including Rockland Lake, Congers Fire Department, Valley Cottage Fire Department 22, Nyack, Piermont Fire Department as well as the Clarkstown Police Department battling the blaze. The location of the fire is difficult to access water is being supplied by fireboats from the river and I am informed that the fire is being contained. The photo from the police drone unit demonstrate the area affected. We will post updates as the situation evolves.