NY S01526

Establishes a public animal cruelty registry maintained by the Division of Criminal Justice Services for persons convicted of violating animal cruelty provisions (sections 351 and 353-a of agriculture and markets law).

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

Convicted persons must register annually and whenever they move to a new address, and continue registering until a court orders otherwise, which requires proof of psychiatric or psychological testing demonstrating sound mental capacity to own and care for animals.

Prohibits registered persons from owning companion animals or working at animal shelters, pounds, pet stores, zoos, or other establishments where companion animals are present.

Imposes a mandatory annual $50 surcharge on convicted persons to fund registry establishment and maintenance costs, and applies statewide to all municipalities.