On October 11, 2011, Albany County Legislature unanimously passed a bill to create a computer database listing all of the convicted animal abusers in Albany County, New York. The bill is expected to be signed into law on October 21 by Albany County Executive Michael G. Breslin. If signed, the bill, known as “Local K Law” will be America’s third animal abuser database. The other two are also in New York for Suffolk County and Rockland County.
Supporters of the bill hope that soon there will be a state-wide animal abuser registry and then a national registry. Local animal shelters applaud the bill and hope it prevents animals from being placed in the hands of abusers. The bill is expected to become law by February. Similar bills are being proposed in Virginia (HB1930) and several other states. A similar bill failed in California because in order to fund it, pet food tax would be raised by 3%.
How It Will Work
The database would be available free to the public online. First-time offenders living in Albany County have their names listed for 10 years. After a second offense, the name is on the registry for the rest of the abuser’s life. Any convicted animal abuser moving to Albany County also needs to register. Abusers must register with their local police department in a similar manner that sex offenders must register. Failure to do so leads to jail and a $1000 fine.
Anyone selling or adopting animals, such as pet stores, animal breeders and animal shelters, must check the registry before handing any animal over. Anyone employing people to work with animals must also check with this register. Failure to do so results in a $5,000 fine. The bill is not limited to just dogs and cats – horse owners, breeders and rescue organizations will also need to check the registry. How the bill will affect horse auctions, claiming races and “dog auctions” of puppy mill breeding animals has not been clarified.
Why Target Animal Abuse?
People suspected of animal abuse but NOT convicted will not be on the register. Crimes classified as animal abuse include neglect, abandonment, animal hoarding, bestiality, torture and participation in animal fighting.
Animal abuse is often the first sign that a person is on the road to abusing, torturing and killing humans. Serial killers admitting to animal abuse include David Berkowitz, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and the Columbine shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Getting away with animal abuse is thought to give a person a sense of being untouchable and above the law. With harsher animal abuse laws, it is hoped that many other violent crimes can be prevented.
References
The Horse.com. “Animal Abuser Registry Bill Passed in Albany County, NY.” Pat Raia. October 13, 2011. http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18958
Animal Legal Defense Fund. “Albany County, NY Passes Nation’s Third Abuser Registry Law.” Ian Carr. October 12, 2011. http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1832