ALDF Applauds Initiative To Create Registry For Convicted Animal Abusers In New York

September 12th, 2012
Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr.’s Bill Would Protect City Pets, Residents from Repeat Crimes

For immediate release
Contact:
Lisa Franzetta, ALDF
Megan Backus, ALDF
NEW YORK – The national non-profit Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) is applauding City Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr.’s introduction today of a bill that will create a mandatory registry for convicted animal abusers. If passed, New York will become the largest jurisdiction in the country to protect its animals and citizens by creating a database of convicted abusers, who often go on to repeat their crimes. New York State already leads the way in abuser registry legislation—since 2010, Suffolk, Albany, and Rockland Counties have passed the nation’s first abuser registry laws.
ALDF has campaigned across the country to promote registry legislation, including working closely with Legislator Jon Cooper’s office in support of the Suffolk County bill, which when passed became the nation’s first abuser registry law. The ALDF website ExposeAnimalAbusers.org provides extensive information about registry bills and allows concerned citizens to contact their own legislators in support of abuser registries. Such registries would help protect animals, pet guardians, and communities by preventing repeat offenses from anyone with an established history of abusing animals. Registry bills have been introduced in nine states in 2012.
“New York City residents have good reason to be concerned about the activities of animal abusers, who often go on to repeat their crimes” says ALDF Executive Director Stephen Wells. “Council Member Vallone’s proposed do-not-adopt database will provide animal shelters and law enforcement with a critical tool to protect the city’s animals from becoming the next victims of a convicted abuser.”
“I want to thank the Animal Legal Defense Fund for supporting my bill and for leading the charge for an animal abuse registry in Suffolk County and promoting registry bills across the country,” said Council Member Vallone. “The ALDF has set an example for New York City on this issue, and I look forward to working with them to improve animal rights in the future.”