Legislation to Prohibit Animal Abusers from Holding Certain Jobs Passes Senate

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces the New York State Senate has passed a bill (S-79) that would prohibit people who are convicted of animal cruelty from working in positions that place them in direct control of animal care.  Such positions include a dog or animal control officer; and employee of an animal shelter, pound, humane society, animal protective association, or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. 

“This bill will help protect animals across New York State,” Gallivan said.  “Too often people who have been convicted of abusing animals work or obtain jobs at facilities intended to protect animals.  For the same reason that we don’t allow sex offenders to work at daycare centers, convicted animal abusers should not hold positions in which they oversee the care of dogs, cats or other animals.”

While the bill, sponsored by Senator Gallivan, would amend current law to prevent those convicted of animal cruelty from holding certain jobs, it would not prevent a judge from sentencing a person to community service in such a facility.

The legislation will be sent to the Assembly. 

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