The names, addresses, and photographs of convicted animal abusers residing in one New York county will soon be displayed online thanks to a new law that establishes the first animal abuse offender database in the nation.

Unanimously passed by the Suffolk County Legislature on Tuesday, IR1879 establishes an online animal abuser registry similar to databases containing information about sex offenders. Under the measure convicted animal cruelty offenders age 18 years and older must provide their names (including aliases), addresses, and a photograph to the registry within five days of release from jail or five days after their conviction. Offenders are also required to update registry information annually and pay an annual registration fee of $50. Those who fail to register or pay the annual fee could be subject to a fine of $1,000 and/or one year in jail. Offender information will remain in the registry database for five years.

Suffolk County SPCA Director Roy Gross said the law is designed to help rescue operators, animal welfare authorities, and the public identify convicted animal abuse offenders in their community.

"This is a simple solution to help prevent animals and people from being victimized," said Gross, whose agency will develop, maintain, and underwrite the database. "We're making history here