Saratoga County supervisors introduced a proposed local law to establish a county animal abuse registry and set a public hearing for Sept. 10, the board said at its Aug. 19 meeting. The introduction was part of a package of resolutions the board adopted by roll call vote.

The registry was described by supervisors as an initial step toward addressing recent severe animal-abuse incidents in the county. “We believe this registry is the first step of a more comprehensive effort to bring attention to this problem and also react to it and enforce this registry,” a supervisor said during remarks summarizing the day’s business. The board also said it had strengthened penalties for people required to register who fail to do so.

The proposal was introduced through Resolution 230, listed on the board’s Aug. 19 agenda as “introductory number 1, print number 1 of 2025,” described in the agenda as a local law establishing the Saratoga County animal abuser registry and setting a date for public hearing. The resolution’s budget impact statement listed no county budget impact.

Public comment at the meeting included support for the registry. Darlene McGraw of Mechanicville told the board, “Animal abuse doesn't belong anywhere, especially here in Saratoga County,” and asked supervisors to allow a look-back period so past abuse can be considered for inclusion on the registry. The board also reported receiving an email from Beth Jacobs regarding animal abuse.

Board members and committee chairs credited members of the public-safety committee and others for moving the measure forward. The supervisor summarizing the item specifically thanked Brett Eby, Clifton Park Deputy Supervisor Tony Morelli, and Sheriff Michael Zurlo for speaking on the issue at the public-safety committee meeting.

The resolution’s introduction and the scheduled public hearing do not, by themselves, enact the registry; the hearing is an opportunity for the public to comment and for the board to consider changes before any final adoption. The board said it intends to continue considering related enforcement and prosecutorial measures alongside the registry.

The public hearing on the proposed local law is scheduled for Sept. 10; the board’s files list the measure as an introductory local law with no immediate budget impact reported.