New Supporters Join to Support 11-year-old Dog Bite Victim and his Bill at the State Capitol

ALBANY, N.Y. - May 27, 2015 - PRLog -- On Tuesday June 2, 2015, at 1 p.m. Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Frank Skartados (D- Milton) will join 11 year old dog bite victim Frankie Flora in hosting a press conference advocating to pass the Frankie Flora Bill Bill No. S2494A (http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S2494A-2015) in the Press Office RM 130 LOB at the State Capitol.

Since 2009 New York resident Frankie Flora has been working with senators, assemblymen and dog bite victim supporters to pass a bill that would hold dog owners accountable for the first time and every time a dog bites someone.

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. is the bills current sponsor.  “This legislation will help to promote responsible dog ownership and socialization while ensuring that New Yorkers who are seriously injured by dog bites do not face the added pain of trying to shoulder highly expensive medical bills on their own,” says Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.

“In addition, this proposal will also provide some measure of financial assistance for people whose own companion animals are viciously attacked and injured by dangerous dogs.  Simply put, dog owners need to be held accountable for the actions of their animals, especially when their dog’s behavior ultimately causes grievous harm to others,” Addabbo Jr.

“Under current law, victims of severe dog bites must pay the medical bills for any injuries they receive in unprovoked attacks,” said Assemblyman Frank Skartados.

“These victims are forced to pay thousands of dollars for the treatment of these wounds, some of which are life threatening – and many people, like young Frankie Flora, must go through life permanently affected by these unfortunate injuries. It’s unjust to me that innocent victims must pay for the mistakes of others. This legislation would transfer the responsibility of paying for the medical treatment of these wounds to the owners of these untrained dogs, and give them a much-needed incentive to make sure their pets don’t endanger other people,” Skartados.

Named after the now 11 year-old Frankie Flora, the bill has had numerous supporters including former New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Poughkeepsie), who introduced the bill with co-sponsor current, Senator Neil D. Breslin (D – Delmar).

“My son is really tuff. He surprises me all the time how resilient he is in going in surgery after surgery. With having over 30 procedures and we are still counting, he is a true champion. ” Maria Flora, mother of Frankie Flora.

Supporting New York Senators include Marc Panepinto (D-Buffalo), Ruen Diaz (D-Bronx), Martin Malave Dilan (D- Brooklyn) and Bill Perkins (D/WF- Harlem).

The New York State Capitol Building is located at 172 State Street Albany, NY  12247.

To obtain information on the press conference contact: Maria Flora 347.672.2354 / Etophia Lane 347.613.3135 etophia@thebiznessgirl.com

To support or for more information on the Frankie Flora Bill contact:

Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.  159-53 102nd Street Howard Beach, NY 11414
Phone: 718.738.1111 Email: addabbo@senate.state.ny.us

Senator Breslin  172 State Street, Room 413 Albany, NY 12247          Phone: 518.455.2225 Email: breslin@senate.state.ny.us

Assemblyman Skartados 154 North Plank Road  Suite 2 Newburgh, NY 12550 Phone: 845-562-0888 Email: skartadosf@assembly.state.ny.us

For information and to support Frankie Flora contact:
Maria Flora  347.672.2354 maria@mariaflora.net    www.frankiefund.com

Video: MAY 29, 2014 CBS6 Albany Dog attack survivor takes message to the capitol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaGDociXdZo