A bill that would create a database registry for animal cruelty offenders convicted in Albany County, N.Y. took a step toward becoming law on Tuesday (Oct. 11) when county lawmakers unanimously passed it. The measure establishes the second county animal offender registry in New York State. In 2010, Suffolk County lawmakers voted to establish a animal abuse offender registry there.

Introduced in September by County Legislator Bryan Clenahan, Local Law "K" requires those convicted of animal cruelty in Albany County to submit their names, addresses, and a photograph to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office for inclusion in a county-wide database. Inclusion fees paid by offenders would cover database operation and maintenance costs. The Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society would maintain the database. Offenders who fail to provide information for the database would face penalties including fines.

In addition, breeders, animal shelters, and pet stores operating in the county be required to consult the database before selling an animal or placing an animal into an adoptive home. Under the measure, anyone who sells or places an adopted animal with a registered animal cruelty offender could also face penalties.

Clenahan said that on Oct. 11, members of the Albany County Legislature passed the unanimously measure. The bill now moves on to for approval by County Executive Michael G. Breslin before becoming law