County Executive Mike Hein joined by District Attorney Holley Carnright And Ulster County Legisltature's Minority Leader Ken Ronk And Legislator Lynn Archer On Two Interconnected Local Laws

The Laws Were Recommended By The County Executive’s Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force And Will Establish An Animal Abuse Registry, Address “Puppy Mill” Concerns And Provide Significant Consumer Protections

Kingston, N.Y – Building upon the success of the popular county-wide dog park in New Paltz, the passage of the County’s anti-tethering law, the domestic violence prevention safe pet boarding program and the humane feral cat program, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has continued to move this Comprehensive Animal Abuse Prevention Initiative forward with a bi-partisan coalition that includes Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright and Ulster County Legislators Lynn Archer and Minority Leader Ken Ronk, by filing two local laws for consideration by the Ulster County Legislature.  The first law establishes the Ulster County Animal Abuse Registry which will serve as an online database of anyone who has been convicted of an animal abuse crime in Ulster County.  The second law regulates larger scale pet sellers and contains several important provisions including: establishing and requiring a minimum standard of care for animals; consumer protections in the event an unfit animal is sold; and requiring a pet seller to check the Ulster County Animal Abuse Registry before selling a pet and prohibiting the sale to anyone listed on the registry.   

“These are thoughtful companion laws that should become models across the State.  The goals are clear, prevent animal abuse, address the proliferation of “puppy mill” pets, and provide meaningful consumer protection for our families,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein.  “I want to thank each and every member of my Animal Abuse Prevention Task Force for their dedicated work to help shield animals from abuse and take critical steps to make our community a better place for everyone.  I am also proud to partner with our District Attorney Holley Carnright and colleagues in the Legislature on this important legislation.  I want to thank Legislators Lynn Archer and Ken Ronk, the sponsors of the law in the Legislature, as I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to not only protect our pets, but to provide meaningful consumer protections and  improve the quality of life for all of Ulster County’s residents.”

Holley Carnright, Ulster County District Attorney

“Animal Abuse is a serious crime, and aside from the horrors inflicted on pets, there is an unmistakable link between animal abuse and the commission of other crimes,” said Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright.  “I want to thank County Executive Hein and Legislators Archer and Ronk for this resource and look forward to working with everyone to ensure the passage of the two important laws.”

Lynn Archer, Ulster County Legislator

“The proposed laws protect animals as well as the families that love and care for them.  I am pleased to be working with County Executive Hein, the District Attorney, and my fellow legislators in sponsoring this important legislation,” said Ulster County Legislator Lynn Archer.

Ken Ronk, Ulster County Legislator and Minority Leader

“As a dog owner myself, I know the love, companionship and responsibility that pet ownership entails.  As a lawmaker, I believe that it is our responsibility to speak for those without a voice and protect the defenseless.  I am proud to partner with District Attorney Carnright, County Executive Hein and Legislator Archer to do just that,” said Ulster County Legislator and Minority Leader Ken Ronk.

Brian Shapiro, New York State Director for The Humane Society of the United States

“Dogs and cats bred for the commercial pet trade are often raised in neglectful, substandard conditions and we encourage Ulster County to pass legislation regulating pet dealers in our community,” said Brian Shapiro, New York State Director for The Humane Society of the United States. “This is a great opportunity pass a sound, enforceable law that protects our pets and consumers. We applaud County Executive Hein’s continued commitment to protecting the welfare of animals in Ulster County.”

Pat Valusek, Chairperson of the New York State Humane Association, Inc.

“Animal cruelty is not only a crime, it is also a quality of life issue for those who bear witness to it,” said Pat Valusek, Chairperson of the New York State Humane Association, Inc.  “County Executive Hein’s initiative recognizes that truth and strives to improve the lives of animals in Ulster County.”

Dr. Beth Alden, Veterinarian, Chair of the Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force

“The Task Force has worked diligently in helping develop the parameters of these two proposed laws in order to help prevent animal abuse and promote responsible pet sales,” said Dr. Beth Alden, Veterinarian and Chair of the County Executive’s Animal Abuse Prevention Advisory Task Force.  “The Animal Abuse Registry will hold those convicted of animal abuse accountable and will help deter any future instances.  I commend County Executive Hein’s commitment and leadership in placing Ulster County in the forefront of protecting animals.”

Adam Saunders, Executive Director Ulster County SPCA

“I am pleased that County Executive Hein gave us the opportunity to help protect the animals in our community and contribute to this process,” said Adam Saunders, Executive Director of the Ulster County SPCA.  “The mistreatment of animals is cruel and I am proud that Ulster County will soon have laws to help protect vulnerable pets.  The continued mistreatment of animals is unacceptable and I am proud that the UCSPCA will soon have laws to help protect vulnerable pets.”

The proposed Animal Abuse Registry will be available online and will contain the names of anyone 18 years of age or older who has been convicted of an animal cruelty related offense.  The Ulster County District Attorney is authorized to contract with animal protection or rescue organizations to establish and maintain the registry.  An individual will remain on the registry for 15 years, or if convicted a second time, for life.  Violations of the law can incur fines of $100 - $250, up to 15 days imprisonment or both.

The Pet Sellers Law applies to anyone who sells more than 9 dogs or cats per year or more than one litter per year.  Pet sellers are required to obtain a free permit from the Ulster County Department of Health.  The law imposes a minimum standard of care for the animals including food, shelter, sanitation, exercise and veterinary care as well as consumer protections for buyers to guard against the sale of unfit animals.  Violations of the law result in fines of $150 - $1,000.

The Ulster County Legislature will now vote to schedule a public hearing concerning the laws during which members of the public can provide input and opinions.  The public hearing is anticipated to be in August.

Pictured above (from left) - Ulster County Legislator and Minority Leader Ken Ronk, Ulster County Legislator Lynn Archer, County Executive Mike Hein, and Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright

Attachment: Animal Abuse Local Laws Fact Sheet