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A 11595

Requires each violator of "Buster's Law" to register with the division of criminal justice services

2025 Regular Session

Establishes a public statewide register of NY animal cruelty convicts, detailing their status, prohibiting animal ownership or related work, and sharing data with officials and cer

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · A 11595

Overview

A11595 proposes establishing a public registry of individuals convicted under New York’s animal cruelty provisions, commonly referred to as “Buster’s Law.” The bill would require such violators to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and would make the registration information publicly accessible and usable by law enforcement, animal-related organizations, and certain businesses.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a public animal cruelty register for those convicted of violations of sections 3501 (animal cruelty) or 353-a (cruelty to animals in certain circumstances) of the Agriculture and Markets Law.
  • Enhance public safety and accountability by informing relevant parties about individuals who have demonstrated capacity or behavior deemed unsafe for animal welfare.
  • Provide a mechanism to monitor, deter, and potentially restrict ongoing proximity to animals through mandated registration and related restrictions.

Key provisions and changes

  • New registry: Adds § 352 to the Agriculture and Markets Law establishing a “Public Animal Cruelty Register.”
    • Covered offenses: Convictions under sections 3501 and 353-a.
    • Registration requirements: Convicted individuals must register with DCJS in a form and manner to be determined by DCJS; minimum data to include name and address; annual registration or updates upon address changes.
    • Accessibility: The registry will be maintained in print and electronic form and publicly accessible, as well as to:
    • law enforcement entities
    • district attorneys
    • humane societies, SPCA, dog or cat protective associations
    • animal control officers
    • breeders, animal rescues, and pet stores operating in New York
    • Duration and conditions of registration:
    • Registrants must continue to register until a court orders cessation.
    • A court may order cessation only after the registrant undergoes psychiatric/psychological testing, with results indicating clear and convincing evidence of capable and sound mental capacity and ability to own and care for an animal humanely.
    • Prohibitions on interaction with animals and employment:
    • Registrants may not own a companion animal.
    • Registrants may not be employed at environments where companion animals are present (e.g., animal shelters, pounds, pet stores, zoos, etc.).
    • Penalty and funding mechanism:
    • In addition to other penalties, violators face a mandatory annual surcharge of $50.
    • Surcharge revenue is designated to cover costs of establishing and maintaining the register.
    • Preemption:
    • State law would supersede local laws and ordinances on animal cruelty/abuser registries, applying uniformly across all municipalities, including large cities (population ≥ 1 million).

Who/what is affected

  • Individuals convicted of animal cruelty under sections 3501 or 353-a of the Agriculture and Markets Law.
  • DCJS as the administrator of the public register.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, humane organizations, animal welfare bodies, animal control officers, breeders, rescues, and pet stores that have access to or rely on the registry.
  • Employers and venues that house or work with companion animals (due to employment prohibitions).
  • Municipalities statewide (local laws to the contrary would be superseded).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act takes effect 30 days after becoming law.
  • Registration timeline: Ongoing—registrants must renew annually or with each address change.
  • Court process: A court may issue a cessation order for registration only after psychiatric/psychological testing demonstrates sufficient mental capacity to own and care for animals.
  • Compliance and enforcement: The registry system would be publicly accessible and integrated with enforcement and oversight mechanisms across state agencies and relevant organizations.

Practical considerations

  • Public access increases transparency but raises privacy considerations for registrants.
  • The scope includes a broad network of animal-related entities, potentially affecting hiring, volunteering, and business operations.
  • Implementation would require DCJS to establish forms, processes, and an electronic/public registry system, plus ongoing funding through the $50 annual surcharge.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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