Watch CBS News

Councilman Hopes For Passage Of Animal Abuse Registry Bill

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Just like sex offenders must register on a list, animal abusers in New York City could have to do the same under legislation passed this week by the City Council and headed to the mayor's desk.

As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported Saturday, bill sponsor Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-22nd) said the bill is a Christmas present for our pets.

Councilman Hopes For Passage Of Animal Abuse Registry Bill

"If you're convicted of any animal abuse, you're on a registry and you cannot get another pet," Vallone said.

While the registry will not be available to the general public, animal shelters and pet adoption agencies will be required to consult it. Vallone said the current method of rooting out animal abusers just is not enough.

"I just rescued a cat with my mother a couple of months ago. We had 20 minutes of answering questions, but it's all just on the honor system," Vallone said. "Now, the shelters will actually have a way to check this."

Animal abusers failing to register on the list, or caught owning a pet, could face up to a year in jail. The office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg did not respond when asked if the mayor supports the bill.

The City Council passed the bill unanimously.

There are currently registries in Suffolk and Rockland counties, and Albany.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.