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

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1 year ago

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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.

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Business

Supervisor George Hoehmann Talks Construction At New Site For “Chick-fil-A” In Nanuet

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7 hours ago

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April 2, 2025

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Check out News 12 Hudson Valley’s interview with Supervisor George Hoehmann discussing the construction of the brand-new Chick-fil-A opening later this year in #Nanuet!

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Government

Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection is Warning Residents About a Resurfacing Scam

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3 days ago

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March 31, 2025

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Recent reports from local businesses and residents indicate that scammers are posing as legitimate contracting companies, falsely claiming urgent structural issues to convince homeowners to sign expensive contracts for unnecessary repairs.

In one instance, scammers impersonated a reputable roofing company, Gikas Roofing, and tricked a homeowner into signing a $78,000 contract for fraudulent roof repairs. A similar case involved an elderly woman who paid $60,000 for a roof replacement she didn’t need—only for the scammers to disappear after causing damage to her home.

“These types of scams follow a familiar pattern, with unlicensed contractors using scare tactics to rush homeowners into making costly decisions,” said Rockland County Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn. “Our department successfully impounded a vehicle and is working closely with the company being impersonated, along with Orangetown Building and Police Departments, but we urge families to be vigilant.”

Always remember to:

  • Ask for proof of a Rockland County license and insurance. A New Jersey license does not qualify in Rockland County.
  • Do not make immediate decisions under pressure. Take time to research and compare contractors.
  • Never pay in full upfront. Legitimate contractors will provide a written contract and schedule reasonable payments.
  • If approached by an unsolicited contractor, contact Rockland County Consumer Protection immediately.

If you suspect a scam, contact the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection at [email protected] or 845-364-3901.

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