Neuhaus “discusses” the new law with Mindy, the dog. Looking
on are
Orange County DA David Hoovler, Sherif Carl DuBois, County
Legislator John Vero, and Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton
WARWICK – Rocky’s Law is now official as Orange County Executive
Steven Neuhaus signed it on Friday while at the Warwick Valley Humane
Society.
The law, sponsored by County Legislator Michael Anagnostakis, prevents
convicted abusers from owning an animal; the offender would also be placed
on an animal abuser registry for 15 years; a second offense would put
them on the registry for life.
Neuhaus said the law will have “a real ripple effect” and
gives law enforcement “another tool to fight animal cruelty.”
Anagnostakis authored the law and named it for Rocky, a dog that was left
outside during the winter’s cold as its owner went away on vacation.
The dog was in such poor health when discovered that it had to be put
down.
“It’s high time we fought for the well-being of our animal
friends,” he said.
