Murphy: Accused Pet Store Owner's License Should Be Suspended

New York State Sen. Terrence Murphy has called on state officials to suspend the licence of an owner of pet stores who has been arrested -- again -- following a new series of violations stemming from his former Danbury pet store.

Richard Doyle, 56 of Mahopac, has been charged in with animal cruelty and practicing veterinarian medicine without a license. This is Doyle's third arrest since July of last year. He owns pet stores in Yorktown and Mamaroneck and used to own one in Wappingers as well as Danbury.

This is not the first time Murphy (R-Yorktown) has been moved to action by the reports from Connecticut. Following Doyle's second arrest, Murphy launched his Protect Our Pets Petition in an effort to put pressure on the Assembly to pass what he calls crucial legislation that seeks to provide added protection to animals across the state.

Now, in a letter to the New York State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, Murphy has formally requested Doyle's license as a pet store owner in New York State be suspended until the legal process concludes any wrong doing.

"Three strikes and your out," Murphy said. "Animal cruelty in of itself is despicable but to be charged on three separate occasions it is time for New York State to step in and do the right thing. Mr. Doyle's license should be suspended until the courts rule on all of the charges he is facing, and if found guilty, his license needs to be permanently revoked."

Click here to read the full letter to Commissioner Richard Ball.

"New York State needs a zero tolerance policy when it comes to animal abuse," Murphy continued. "I have introduced and supported a number of measures to strengthen our laws and protect our animals that are unable to protect themselves. These recent revelations should be a wake up call for the legislature to act and act now."

In addition, the freshman Senator introduced S.6634 which would provide more frequent inspections of pet dealers who have been charged with violations. The bill is expected to be approved by the Agriculture Committee at their next meeting in May.

Shannon Laukhuf, Executive Director of the Westchester SPCA said, "If Mr. Doyle is proven to be responsible for multiple acts of animal cruelty then he should be out of business. Pet stores can be difficult places for animals. The recent law passed in Mamaroneck that bans the sale of commerically-bred dogs and cats will go a long way in preventing the abuse of animals. We applaud Senator Murphy's efforts, and would gladly work with him in getting legislation passed that could benefit the safety of pets and animals."