The Cayuga County Legislature adopted a local law establishing an animal‑abuse registry that would prohibit animal ownership by individuals convicted of specified animal‑abuse offenses, after a public hearing and a short floor debate that included technical amendments.

Nicholas Lepresi, who identified himself as the executive director of a Finger Lakes animal‑welfare organization, urged passage, saying a registry would “save lives, strengthen accountability, and respect our shared values of compassion and safety.” He told the body that animal cruelty often correlates with other violent behavior and that a registry could help prevent repeat offenses.

County attorneys and legislators worked through housekeeping edits to the draft local law to ensure the enumerated offenses were correctly lettered and described; the floor adopted a minor amendment to subsection lettering and then voted to approve the local law as amended. Sponsors said the measure focuses on creating an enforceable chart of qualifying offenses and an annual registry process rather than creating new criminal penalties.

The chair closed the public hearing and the legislature recorded the passage of the local law as amended. County staff indicated further steps to codify the registry will follow in subsequent administrative actions.