Bill > S01563

This bill creates a public registry for individuals convicted of animal cruelty under specific sections of New York's agriculture and markets law, requiring offenders to register their name and address with the division of criminal justice services. Registrants must update their information annually or when they move, and can only have their registration terminated after demonstrating through psychiatric or psychological testing that they are mentally capable of humanely caring for an animal. The registry will be accessible to the public, law enforcement, district attorneys, humane societies, animal protection organizations, animal control officers, animal breeders, rescues, and pet stores. Additionally, registered offenders are prohibited from owning companion animals or working in animal-related businesses, and will be subject to a mandatory annual $50 surcharge to cover the registry's operational costs. The law applies to all municipalities in New York State, superseding any local regulations regarding animal abuser registries, and will take effect 30 days after becoming law. This bill is named after "Buster's Law," which likely refers to a previous animal cruelty statute in New York, and aims to provide greater transparency and protection for animals by tracking and restricting individuals with a history of animal abuse.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1563