Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today is announcing that he will co-sponsor legislation, S. 3804, that seeks to establish an animal cruelty registry in New York State.

Senator Marty Golden stated, “There is no place in our society for cruelty or abuse of animals. It is my hope that this registry will prevent such reprehensible behavior and will help to bring an end to violence against animals. I have signed on as a co-sponsor of this legislation because there is a need to have laws in New York that will improve the safety of our animals.”

S. 3804 would require that persons convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting must register with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Information stored in the registry would be made available to all law enforcement entities, district attorneys, humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, animal control officers, breeders of animals and pet stores doing business in New York.

Persons required to register may not own a companion animal or be employed at an animal shelter, pound, pet store, zoo or any other business establishment where companion animals are present. Persons convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting shall be subject to a surcharge of $50.00 to help pay for the costs of maintaining the registry.

Assemblyman James Tedisco (R-C-I, Schenectady-Saratoga) is the sponsor of similar legislation, A. 1506, in the State Assembly.