Dec. 19, 2013 By Christian Murray
Dog fighting victim
The city is about to keep tabs on animal abusers.
The city council passed legislation today — introduced by Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. — that will create a registry of animal abusers.
Crimes that would result in inclusion in the registry are animal fighting, abandonment and aggravated cruelty. Those people who are found guilty of such crimes are to included on the registry and would be prohibited from owning an animal.
The legislation comes just two years after Milan Rysa, a bodybuilder from Astoria, killed his dog by tossing it out of a third-floor window. Rysa hurled his Chinese Shar-Pei, weighing about 50 pounds, out of his apartment on Steinway Street, almost hitting two women who were walking by. He was sentenced to a year in prison.
Entities that sell or adopt out pets, such as animal shelters and pet shops, will be required to consult the registry before transferring ownership of any animal in their care. They would be prohibited from transferring ownership to anyone listed on the registry.
Residents convicted of animal abuse crimes would be required to register upon release from incarceration, or if not incarcerated, within five days of sentencing.
First time offenders will remain on the registry for five years and those guilty of subsequent abuses 10 years. Anyone convicted of animal abuse who fails to report to the registry or who owns an animal while listed in the registry faces punishment of up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
“This is a Christmas present not only to New York City animals, but animals in all of the areas that will now move forward with similar registries,” said Council Member Vallone. “Abusers are now on a short leash and this registry will help prevent them from being able to torture another animal.”
Vallone is hopeful that other cities introduce similar laws, thereby creating a safer environment for animals across the United States and the world.
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9 Comments
In All Do Respect, I Don’t Feel The Amount of TIME or FINE.. FITS The CRIME.
People that are animal abusers will go to abuse children or the elderly. Please also understand the thought of a person beaten a living creature to death shows the evil and the bad in that human.
Please, keep them off the streets for everyone’s protection.
God gave us animals to love and care for, not for this horror. A life is a life and a living being is a living being.
Thank you for your time,
Lucia Fabbo
The amount of TIME and FINE doesn’t fit the CRIME. Please reconsider a HARSHER ~ PUNISHMENT. Thanks
http://www.aspca.org/donate — nuff said
can you please not post pictures of sad dogs like this.. I already get very sad ads from the ASPCA that follow me around the web.. thanks… I’m really happy for the registry though.
I hope everyone on this thread gives generously to the ASPCA or other organization.
Thanks
First off thank you! At the risk of sounding ungrateful…
This seems like a pretty small price to pay in my opinion: “Anyone who fails to report to the registry or owns a pet while on the registry” …UP TO one year and $1k?
And then to only remain on the registry for 5 years? Why give them a second chance to earn 10 years? It’s not like these sick, cruel and violent people are going to get a puppy take time to potty train them, teach them to sit, get them vet care and love them. The vet bills alone cost more than the penalty fee!
I would hope the County or City Attorney’s office in each jurisdiction would keep tabs on this. I would love to present an ordinance like this to my Board of Supervisors. Does anyone have a copy of this ordinance handy?
Jill K
I’ve been hoping for this for years. Many studies have shown that serial killers usually hone their evil skills on animals when they are children. The police should view the register when hunting for this scum. It would give important leads.
i am in england and have always wondered when people are banned from keeping animals for so long(should be life!!)WHO checks up to see that they havent got another animal???and IF they do(which i doubt)how often and for how long???
I just have sone questions. Would like to start a petition in my area, to be able to a registry like this passed in my area.
My first question, is who monitors these “abusers”, that they are getting registered?
Also where would these “abusers” go to register?
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I want to help make a difference.
Sincerely Kara