Animal cruelty is a serious problem, resulting in the abuse of thousands of animals each year in the United States. While New York State has criminalized the cruel treatment of animals, animal abuse continues to occur in Putnam County and throughout New York State.
Studies show that people who have abused animals in the past are likely to do so in the future, and that there is a near 100% recidivism rate for certain types of abuse such as animal hoarding. Furthermore, individuals who abuse animals are statistically more likely to commit violent acts against humans, and a strong correlation has been established linking individuals who abuse animals with incidents of domestic violence.
The Putnam County Legislature finds that it is in the best interest of Putnam County residents to establish an online registry identifying individuals residing in Putnam County that have been convicted of an animal abuse crime and prevent these individuals convicted of animal cruelty from adopting, purchasing, or otherwise obtaining animals from any animal shelter, pet seller, or other person or entity involved in the exchange of animals by adoption, sales, or other means. Therefore, the purpose of this law is to establish an online registry of individuals residing in Putnam County who are convicted of animal abuse crimes.
CURRENTLY THE REGISTRY HAS NO ENTRIES.