Legislators in Suffolk County, New York strengthened an animal abuse law by making convicted animal abusers own a pet crime.
The county legislature last week voted to create a Class A misdemeanor for people convicted of animal abusers in the county, according to the New York Post. New members of the law will be sentenced to one year in prison or a $1,000 fine.
This extends the legislature’s law enacted in 2010 that enacts animal cruelty registration, which requires convicted animal abusers to add their name and contact information. The 2010 law was one of the first such laws in the United States
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Legislators in Suffolk County, New York have strengthened an animal abuse law to make it a convicted animal abuse crime. (Getty Image)
New York City (NYP) said county executive Ed Romaine told reporters last week that they would “protect animals.”
"Don't abuse animals," he said. "We will follow you, we will sue you, we will protect our animals."
The Suffolk County Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office maintained the registry and currently lists 30 convicted animal abusers. Unless they are again convicted of animal abuse, the offenders last for 10 years in the registry, when the 10-year timer begins.
Although anyone convicted of animal abuse in the county has been banned from owning pets, no one who violates the rule has been punished.
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The county legislature voted to create a Class A misdemeanor for convicted animal abusers in the area, which are considered pet-owned. (Getty Image)
"We are finally able to address this loophole and further protect our animals," said Suffolk legislator Stephanie Bontempi, who sponsors the legislation. "In Suffolk County, we will not tolerate abuse or neglect of animals. By closing the loophole, we will ensure that those criminals who ignore the law will face consequences."
She added: "It shouldn't even be a problem, but I'm glad we're able to get this legislation on books."
Dozens of dead cats found in Long Island houses, including in freezers and box springs, signed the expanded law. Other felines were found on poorly maintained property, with urine and feces on the floors and walls.
Suffolk lawmaker Stephanie Bontemppi sponsored the legislation. (Getty Image)
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Roy Gross, head of the Suffolk County Association for Preventing Animal Cruelty, welcomed the new law after years of intense punishment.
"This is the first time we have the right to act against repeat offenders - before our hands are tied together," he told News Day.