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The Fulton County Board of Supervisors has voted to establish a new animal abuse registry, aiming to track and prevent animal cruelty in the area. This registry requires individuals convicted of animal abuse to register with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. Offenders are prohibited from owning animals for 15 years after their first offense, with a second violation resulting in a lifetime ban. Those who fail to register could face jail time and fines of up to $5,000.
According to NEWS10 ABC, the registry is part of Local Law "B," which was unanimously approved by the supervisors. Christina VanValkenburgh, the Town of Johnstown Supervisor, expressed excitement about the new law, highlighting its potential to save the county money by reducing the costs associated with caring for seized animals.
Renee Earl, President of the Fulton County Regional SPCA, emphasized the importance of the registry in holding repeat offenders accountable. She stated, "Many cases are the same individuals over and over again. This is going to give a little bit more accountability to those individuals."
The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society supports the initiative, noting that animal abuse registries are vital for protecting animals and communities. They function similarly to sex offender registries by making convictions visible to shelters, breeders, rescues, and law enforcement, thereby preventing known abusers from acquiring new animals.
Fulton County joins three other counties in the Capital Region—Albany, Greene, and Rensselaer—that have implemented similar registries. These registries are seen as proactive steps toward breaking cycles of violence and promoting public safety.