New Law: No More Pets for New York Animal Abusers

Yesterday, the lawmakers in New York's Albany County voted unanimously to approve a new piece of legislation that would effectively ban New York animal abusers from being able to own a pet again, this according to Global Animal.

According to the report, the new law, which applies to misdemeanor and felony convictions for animal cruelty and associated crimes, will force animal abusers to enter into an abuse registry similar to the registry set up already for sexual offenders.

It is only the third county in New York and the nation to set up an animal abuse registry.

The way the law will function is that it will force adoption agencies and other organizations selling animals to check the abuse registry to ensure that the buyer is not a previous offender. In theory, the law is supposed to help prevent animals from falling into the hands of potentially cruel owners.

Animal abusers who are convicted for a first time will be required to register for a 10-year-period, a time which they cannot own any animal. If they are convicted a subsequent time, they will be in the abuse registry for life.

What do you think about this new law passed in New York? Should a law like this be nationwide? Let us know your thoughts in a comment!