Legislators in Suffolk County, New York, strengthened an animal cruelty law to make it a crime for people convicted of animal abuse to own pets. (Getty Images)
County Executive Ed Romaine signed the expanded legislation on Wednesday after telling reporters last week that it will "protect animals," according to the NYP.
"Do not abuse animals," he said. "We will go after you, and we will prosecute you, and we will protect our animals."
The Suffolk County Police Department and district attorney’s office maintain the registry, which currently lists 30 convicted animal abusers. Offenders remain on the registry for 10 years unless they are convicted of animal abuse again, at which point the 10-year timer starts over.
While anyone convicted of animal abuse in the county was already prohibited from owning a pet, there were no penalties for violating the rule.
YOUNG KANGAROO HOPS AROUND FLORIDA TOWN AFTER BRAZEN ESCAPE, OWNER CHARGED
Suffolk Legislator Stephanie Bontempi sponsored the legislation. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Roy Gross, chief of Suffolk County's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, welcomed the new law after years of fighting for stronger penalties.
"For the first time, we actually have the power to take action against repeat offenders — before, our hands were tied," he told Newsday.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-yorks-suffolk-county-approves-law-punishing-convicted-animal-abusers-own-pets