New York county approves law making it a crime for animal abusers to own pets

Legislators in Suffolk County, New York, took a stand against animal cruelty by strengthening a law that prohibits convicted animal abusers from owning pets. This groundbreaking move marks a significant step in protecting the welfare of animals in the county.

The county legislature recently voted to establish a Class A misdemeanor for individuals on the convicted animal abuser registry who are found to be owning pets. This new addition to the law carries penalties of up to a year in jail or a $1,000 fine. This law builds upon a previous legislation enacted in 2010 that created an animal abuse registry, making it mandatory for convicted animal abusers to register their name and contact information. Suffolk County was among the first in the U.S. to implement such a registry.

County Executive Ed Romaine signed the expanded legislation, emphasizing the importance of protecting animals in the community. He warned potential abusers, stating, “Do not abuse animals. We will go after you, and we will prosecute you, and we will protect our animals.” The Suffolk County Police Department and district attorney’s office oversee the registry, which currently lists 30 convicted animal abusers. Offenders remain on the list for 10 years, with the timer resetting if they are convicted of animal abuse again.

The legislation was sponsored by Suffolk Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, who expressed her satisfaction with the new law. She stated, “In Suffolk County, we will not tolerate the abuse or neglect of animals. By closing this loophole, we will ensure that those offenders who disregard the law will face consequences.”

The move to strengthen the animal cruelty law comes in the wake of a disturbing discovery of dozens of dead cats in a Long Island home, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations to protect animals. Roy Gross, chief of Suffolk County’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, applauded the new law, emphasizing the power it gives authorities to take action against repeat offenders.

The updated law sends a clear message that animal abuse will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. By implementing stronger penalties for convicted animal abusers who own pets, the county is taking a proactive stance in safeguarding the well-being of animals and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.