Last year, the Cayuga County Legislature voted to create an animal abuse registry. Under the law, those convicted of animal abuse cannot own pets with the exception of service animals. They must also register with the sheriff’s office and be placed on the animal abuse registry.
Speaking on FLX Morning, Sheriff Brian Schenck said the registry is up on his office’s website and will help those looking to sell or rehome pets make sure they aren’t going to unsafe homes.
“So, if somebody is adopting an animal out or somebody that’s getting rid of a potential pet, they can go on and check and see if anybody on that registry is someone that’s trying to adopt an animal from them. And the goal is to prevent abuse and keep these people from re-offending and abusing other animals,” said Schenck.
Under county law, first-time offenders are placed on the registry for 15 years; repeat offenders will remain on the list for life.
