NY S01485

Establishes a statewide animal abuser central registry administered by the commissioner of agriculture to track individuals convicted of animal abuse offenses.

Requires persons 18 years or older convicted of felony animal abuse violations, specific penal law offenses, or comparable out-of-state crimes to register with their county sheriff within 30 days of conviction or entering the state.

Prohibits registered animal abusers from possessing, adopting, owning, purchasing or controlling any companion animals during their registration period, except where a court determines an exception is warranted.

Mandates animal shelters and pet dealers to check the registry before transferring animals and imposes penalties of up to $1,000 in fines for violations, with an affirmative defense if they verified the purchaser against the registry.

Establishes criminal penalties including imprisonment up to four years and fines of $5,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for subsequent offenses for failure to register, providing false information, or violating possession prohibitions.