A new law in Suffolk County imposes prison time and fines on animal abusers who own pets. This legislation, recently approved, classifies pet ownership by those with convictions as a Class A misdemeanor.
“This bill protects animals, so I’m signing it,” Suffolk County’s Ed Romain stated during a news conference at the H. Lee Dennison building in Hoopage.
“We have an obligation to take care of our pets and animals,” he added, highlighting the county’s commitment.
Since 2010, Suffolk has mandated that previously convicted animal abusers register their names and contact details in a registry, which currently has about 30 individuals listed, according to county records. The Suffolk County Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office manage this registry.
Individuals will stay on this list for ten years, but if they commit another animal-related offense, that timer resets. Previously, just being on the registry meant they couldn’t own pets, but there wasn’t real enforcement against offenders, which wasn’t the case until now, as explained by Suffolk MP Stephanie Bontempi.
“We’ve closed a loophole,” Bontempi remarked. She became aware of this gap following a temporary deletion of her registration due to a cyberattack in the county last year.
The law comes shortly after a shocking discovery of around 100 dead cats at the Bohemia Animal House of Horrors, including kittens found in a cat food box and others in a freezer.
Suffolk County SPCA chief Roygross, who has pushed for stricter penalties for years, commented that he was “not excited” about the new law’s passage, but acknowledged its importance. “For the first time, we actually have the power to take action against criminals repeatedly. Our hands were tied up before,” he told Newsday.
This legislation represents the county’s ongoing efforts to combat animal cruelty, following an announcement from Suffolk District Attorney Laitiany about a collaboration with the county police to pursue defendants who neglect or harm animals.
This initiative builds upon the establishment of the Beast Units three years ago, aimed at ensuring animal cruelty cases are monitored and that repeat offenders face consequences.
“Don’t abuse animals,” Romaine warned. “We’ll chase after you. We’ll prosecute you and protect the animals.”
