Animal abuse registry law moves forward in Saratoga Co.

The above media player features an alleged animal abuse case in Saratoga County

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (NEWS10)– The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee has moved forward with a proposed law to create a countywide animal abuse registry. According to county officials, the registry will list those convicted of animal abuse or animal neglect.

According to the county, the law will require residents 18 and older who are convicted of animal abuse and neglect crimes to register with the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office. The person will then remain on the list for 15 years following their first conviction of an animal abuse or neglect crime.

A person can remain on the list permanently if convicted of any additional animal abuse crime.

“Despite numerous state laws criminalizing animal abuse and neglect, we continue to see disturbing cases in Saratoga County. Creating a countywide animal abuse registry is a vital step in protecting vulnerable animals and holding abusers accountable,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said. “By identifying abusers and preventing them from adopting, purchasing, or otherwise obtaining animals, we can reduce the risk of repeated cruelty cases and provide a resource for shelters, breeders, and rescue groups seeking homes for animals.”

County officials said the registry will include the person’s name, address and photograph. The registry will be available to the public as well as to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, Saratoga County Child Protective Services and the Saratoga County Department of Social Services.

“An animal abuse registry is more than a tool for protecting pets – it’s a commitment to public safety that benefits both community members and animals,” Public Safety Committee Chair Supervisor John Lant (Wilton) said. “It’s well known that animal cruelty often is a sign of deeper violent tendencies, so when we take a stand against animal cruelty, we send a clear message that violence in any form will not be tolerated in Saratoga County.”

Previously, Fulton and Columbia Counties have created this law.

“I vow to do whatever I can to support and implement this important measure to provide additional protections for our animals in Saratoga County,” said Brett Eby, animal abuse registry advocate.

The proposal will move to the Law & Finance Committee before going to the full board on August 19. If the full board passes the resolution, a public hearing will be held on September 10 at 4:30 p.m.

Once passed by the Board of Supervisors, the law should take effect 90 days after filing the local law with the Office of the Secretary of State.