Support S8084A / A10119A
Establish an Animal Abuser Registry in New York

Animal cruelty is often repeated and preventable. New York currently lacks a statewide system to track individuals convicted of animal abuse, allowing repeat offenders continued access to animals. We urge the New York State Legislature to pass S8084A and its Assembly companion bill A10119A, sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and Assemblymember Sarah Clark, to establish a statewide Animal Abuser Registry and require background checks to obtain licenses to operate pet-related businesses or shelters. This legislation will help prevent repeat offenses and protect vulnerable animals from further harm.

Within ten days of receiving registration information from an animal abuser, the Department of Criminal Justice Services will forward the information to the applicable county sheriff to contact every humane society, animal shelter, local society for the prevention of cruelty towards animals organization, and any other business within a half mile radius of the animal abuser's residence or location and provide them with the animal abuser's registration information. This bill would prohibit anyone from selling, exchanging, or transferring ownership of an animal to any person listed on the animal abuser registry.

A statewide database would allow shelters, pet stores and breeders across 62 counties to screen potential pet owners more effectively and prevent abusers from traveling to another county to work with animals or adopt one. Individuals who abuse animals are statistically more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. It serves as a warning for potential employers looking to hire individuals in pet stores, veterinary offices, and animal shelters and provides law enforcement and the community with a way to track known offenders who are at high risk of reoffending.

We urge lawmakers to pass S8084A / A10119A without delay.