People convicted of abusing, neglecting, or torturing animals in Ontario County will soon face new restrictions under a local law approved by the Ontario County Board of Supervisors.
The board voted unanimously on Thursday to establish an Animal Abuser Registry for Ontario County. Under the new law, anyone convicted of crimes involving the abuse, neglect, or torture of animals will be prohibited from owning animals for 15 years and will be required to submit a photograph and personal information for inclusion in the registry.
A second conviction for animal abuse, neglect, or torture will result in a lifetime ban from owning animals and permanent placement on the registry.
The registry will be available to the public through the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, OntarioSheriffNY, and on the Sheriff’s Office website.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office will investigate alleged violations of the law, while the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute any resulting criminal cases.
Anyone convicted of failing to register as required will be guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Those convicted of owning animals in violation of the law also face an unclassified misdemeanor carrying penalties of up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
In announcing the new registry, Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione thanked the Board of Supervisors for approving the legislation.
“This will serve as another tool to protect our animals who are utterly defenseless against cruelty and neglect,” Cirencione said.
The sheriff also recognized the Ontario County Administrator’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and Ontario County Humane Society for their collaboration in developing the legislation.
