Steuben County lawmakers are considering a proposal that would create an online registry of people convicted of animal abuse.
The “Animal Abuser Registry Law” was presented Monday to the county’s Public Safety and Corrections Committee as part of an effort to strengthen animal welfare protections and improve public safety.
If approved, the law would require the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office to maintain an online registry of county residents convicted of qualifying animal cruelty offenses on or after the law takes effect. The registry would be available through the sheriff’s office page on the county website and could include links to similar registries in other counties.
Animal cruelty remains a concern locally and statewide, officials said. While criminal penalties already exist, county leaders say additional preventive tools are needed to reduce repeat offenses and protect domestic animals.
“This legislation is about accountability and prevention,” Legislature Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick said. “Animal cruelty is a serious offense, and this proposed registry is intended to provide an added layer of protection for animals while giving shelters and pet providers the tools they need to make informed decisions.”
Under the proposal, people required to register would provide identifying information to the sheriff’s office, including their name, township of residence, date of birth and a current photograph. Registrants would be required to verify and update their information annually or whenever their address or legal name changes.
Those listed on the registry would be prohibited from owning, possessing or intentionally engaging in physical contact with companion animals. Animal shelters, pet dealers and individuals would also be barred from transferring animals to anyone on the registry and would be required to check the database before completing a transfer.
A similar registry is already in place in neighboring Cayuga County, where officials launched an online animal abuser database in December. The registry is maintained by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Officeand county leaders have said the program has improved coordination between law enforcement and animal welfare agencies.
The new legislation will continue through the committee and legislative review process, which includes additional discussion and opportunities for public input.
