Animal Cruelty Law in Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County, New York, strengthened an animal cruelty law by making it a crime for convicted animal abusers to own pets, with penalties of up to a year in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law expands on a 2010 animal abuse registry requirement.
Key Points
- Established Class A misdemeanor for convicted animal abusers owning pets
- Registry maintained by Suffolk County Police Department and district attorney's office
Pros
- Protects animals from convicted abusers
- Establishes penalties for violators
Cons
- 30 convicted animal abusers currently on the registry
- Recent case of dozens of dead cats found in poor conditions