New law bans animal abusers from owning, residing with animals for 15 years in Dutchess County

Anyone who has been committed of a serious animal welfare crime is now banned from owning or even residing with an animal for 15 years in Dutchess County, as part of a new animal abuse registry recently signed into law.

In addition to being banned from owning or residing with an animal, the registry would list those guilty of serious animal crimes on the Dutchess County Sheriff’s website.

Local regulations on tethering, shelter and more have also been modified to “ensure the general welfare of the animal.”