GOSHEN – Rocky’s Law, which would establish an animal abuser registry in Orange County, was approved by the Rules Committee of the county legislature on Wednesday.
The proposal, drafted by Legislator Michael Anagnostakis, is named after an abused dog in Newburgh, which had to be euthanized because of its extremely weak health after being left outside for five weeks in winter weather while its owner went on vacation.
Rocky’s Law would prohibit a person from owning an animal for 15
years if he or she is convicted of animal abuse. A second conviction would
prohibit that person from owning an animal for life.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler supports the plan.
“It will serve a very good function. It will make people that are selling animals, or perhaps animals that are up for adoption; it will make people aware that they might be dealing with somebody that they shouldn’t be allowing to have an animal,” Hoovler said. “From that standpoint, I support it 100 percent.”
The proposed local law has widespread support in the community.
Before taking effect, it must be approved by the full county legislature and signed into law by the county executive.
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