Suffolk County Passes Animal Abuse Bill

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- Suffolk County is making it very tough for anyone to abuse animals.

County legislators Tuesday passed legislation that bars pet stores, breeders and animal shelters from selling or giving animals to people listed on Suffolk's animal abuse registry.

The law is expected to be signed by County Executive Steve Levy.

It will require sellers to check the ID of buyers against the registry, which goes into effect May 23.

Violators of the new law will be fine $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second and $1,500 for subsequent infractions.

Last year, Suffolk created the nation's first animal abuse registry. It requires people convicted of cruelty to animals to register or face jail time and fines.
   
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