NY A06354

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

Registry information includes name and address of registrants and must be maintained in both print and electronic form, accessible to the public, law enforcement, district attorneys, humane societies, animal control officers, breeders, rescues, and pet stores.

Convicted persons must register annually and upon each address change, with registration continuing until a court order allows cessation, which requires proof of psychiatric or psychological testing showing clear and convincing evidence of sound mental capacity to own and care for animals humanely.

Prohibits registrants from owning companion animals or working at animal shelters, pounds, pet stores, zoos, or other facilities housing companion animals.

Imposes a mandatory $50 annual surcharge on convicted persons to fund registry establishment and maintenance, and applies statewide to all municipalities including cities with populations over one million.