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Steuben County adopts online Animal Abuser Registry with registration, fee and ownership prohibitions
Summary
The Steuben County Legislature adopted Local Law No. 1 establishing an online Animal Abuser Registry to be maintained by the Sheriff’s Office; the law requires registration for convicted offenders, a $125 one‑time fee, a seven‑year listing period (with lifetime listing after a second conviction) and prohibits registered individuals from possessing companion animals.
The Steuben County Legislature voted to adopt Local Law Tentatively No. One on May 18, 2026, creating an online Animal Abuser Registry to be maintained by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office. The law requires people convicted of specified animal‑abuse crimes to register within five days of release (or judgment if not incarcerated), pay a one‑time $125 registration fee (subject to a sheriff’s waiver), and submit identifying information and a photograph.
Under the adopted law, registration generally lasts seven years from release or judgment; a second conviction triggers lifetime registration. The local law also states that “No person who is registered or required to register pursuant to Section 4 of this Local Law shall own, possess, reside with, have custody of, or intentionally engage in any physical contact with any Companion Animal or Pet.” Violations carry misdemeanor penalties, including fines and potential jail time. The Legislature approved the measure by roll call vote; certified copies will be filed with the County Clerk and the New York State Secretary of State as required.
