Reported from The Horse.Com
A bill that would create a database registry for animal cruelty offenders convicted in Albany County, N.Y. took a step toward becoming law on Tuesday (Oct. 11) when county lawmakers unanimously passed it. The measure establishes the second county animal offender registry in New York State. In 2010, Suffolk County lawmakers voted to establish a animal abuse offender registry there.
Introduced in September by County Legislator Bryan Clenahan, Local Law "K" requires those convicted of animal cruelty in Albany County to submit their names, addresses, and a photograph to the Albany County Sheriff's Office for inclusion in a county-wide database. Inclusion fees paid by offenders would cover database operation and maintenance costs. The Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society would maintain the database. Offenders who fail to provide information for the database would face penalties including fines.
In addition, breeders, animal shelters, and pet stores operating in the county be required to consult the database before selling an animal or placing an animal into an adoptive home. Under the measure, anyone who sells or places an adopted animal with a registered animal cruelty offender could also face penalties.
Clenahan said that on Oct. 11, members of the Albany County Legislature passed the unanimously measure. The bill now moves on to for approval by County Executive Michael G. Breslin before becoming law.
Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society Executive Director Brad Shear said the measure will ensure that animal welfare organizations operating in the county do not inadvertently place animals with convicted abusers. He would like to see registry requirements expand beyond Albany County.
"In fact, our hope is to see (registration legislation) go statewide," Shear said.
Clenahan said some other New York counties have expressed interest in establishing animal offender registries of their own.
"Albany County Executive Breslin has 10 days to sign the bill. The bill goes into affect 90 days after Breslin's signature.
Let's push to get these registries country wide. And every
Contact your elected representatives and lets get this registry put in place across America!
8 comments:
That's a good start. Statewide would be better, but nationwide would be best!
While this would be a good thing to have in effect nationwide, I feel the need to play devils advocate here...
That being said, the part about listing trainers who are in violation of the rules- drugs, etc. the different associations and federations already do this on their own levels. USEF, USDF, ADS, NRHA, NCHA, AQHA, AHA etc. most of them have a list of people, farms and horses that are currently under suspension for whatever violations have been committed under their rules. However, there are many times, the trainers or even owners, handlers or grooms, can just switch breeds and keep on committing....
Having the database with their current pictures may help to keep the offenders from just changing their names and acquiring more victims. Otherwise the use of hair dye and other easily obtained conveniences may not stop the truly sick minded. If they are going to do it, they will find a way.
I really hope this comes around to work out for the best for the sake of the animals. Not just in one county in a state all the way across the country.
That';s all fine and dandy, and CNJ also has a good point. But what about the abysmal actual conviction rates? How often does an animal abuser get a slap on the wrist?
Much more often than any actual convictions. The OSPCA reported investigating 12,819 cruelty complaints in 2010. 124 resulted in charges. How many actual convictions? They don't report THAT number, because it is zero.
Good point Horse in the Garage. How many times on the show Animal Cops, do you see the people get nailed and do time? Rarely. Not unless it is an extreme case and soemthing dies or has died already.
Most of the time if they agree to turn the animal over to the authorities, they walk away unscathed with a clean record. Doesn't mean they can't or don't repeat the offense... Hopefully just the scare of the whole experience is enough for them. Maybe for some people, but not all of them.
Great equestrian blog! Why not come along to hay-net.co.uk an Equine Social Blogging Network and post your blog there too for more to follow!
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Really interesting blog post
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Great post and kudos to Albany county! Keep the showring clean! This is a good first step. We will get the nationwide someday! We would like to make a donation to show our support. Any recommendations?
Rich
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