NY S04273

Establishes a public animal cruelty registry maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services for persons convicted of violating animal cruelty statutes (sections 351 and 353-a of Agriculture and Markets Law).

Registry information including name and address must be available in print and electronic form to the public, law enforcement, district attorneys, humane societies, animal control officers, breeders, rescues, and pet stores.

Convicted individuals must register annually and upon moving to a new address; registration continues until a court order allows cessation, which requires proof of psychiatric or psychological testing showing clear and convincing evidence of mental capacity to properly care for animals.

Persons on the registry are prohibited from owning companion animals or working at animal shelters, pounds, pet stores, zoos, or other establishments where companion animals are present.

Convicted individuals are subject to a mandatory $50 annual surcharge to fund registry establishment and maintenance costs, and this provision supersedes all local laws and ordinances.