New York Senate Bill S01563

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires each violator of "Buster's Law" to register the violator's name and address with the division of criminal justice services; makes the registration available to the public, law enforcement entities, district attorneys, humane societies, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals, dog or cat protective associations, animal control officers, breeders of animals, animal rescues and pet stores.

Summary

Bill S01563 aims to establish a public registry for individuals convicted of violating 'Buster's Law', which pertains to animal cruelty in New York. Under this legislation, any person convicted of specific animal cruelty offenses must register their name and address with the Division of Criminal Justice Services. This registry will be publicly accessible and will also be available to various stakeholders, including law enforcement, humane societies, and pet stores. Registrants will be required to update their information annually or upon changing their address, and they will be prohibited from owning companion animals or working in environments where such animals are present until they can prove their capability to care for them through court-ordered psychological evaluation.

Impact

The bill will amend the Agriculture and Markets Law by adding a new section that mandates the creation of a public animal cruelty registry. This registry will supersede any local laws regarding animal cruelty registries, thereby standardizing the approach across all municipalities in New York, including larger cities. The implementation of this registry is expected to enhance public awareness and safety regarding individuals with a history of animal cruelty, potentially affecting how animal-related businesses and organizations operate in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S01563 appears to be supportive among animal welfare advocates who view it as a necessary step to protect animals and inform the public about potential abusers. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications for individuals who are required to register, particularly regarding their ability to reintegrate into society and own pets after serving their penalties. The absence of recorded votes or committee discussions suggests that the bill has not yet faced significant opposition or debate.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the mandatory psychological evaluations required for individuals seeking to have their registration terminated. Critics may argue that this requirement could be seen as punitive and may not take into account the possibility of rehabilitation. Additionally, the financial burden of the mandatory annual surcharge of fifty dollars on registrants could be debated, particularly in terms of its fairness and effectiveness in funding the registry.